كوريا الجنوبية: فيضانات تودي بحياة 4 وتغمر مدناً

Heavy rains struck South Korea today (Thursday), resulting in 4 fatalities and the evacuation of more than a thousand people, according to the Korean Ministry of Safety.

South Korea experienced unprecedented rainfall that caused flooding and landslides, exacerbating the crisis in several areas, particularly in South Chungcheong Province and the city of Gwangju.

Authorities reported that a driver was killed in the city of Osan, located 44 kilometers south of Seoul, after a 10-meter-high wall collapsed onto his moving car.

Another person was found without a pulse in a car submerged in water in the city of Seosan in South Chungcheong Province, and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety stated that by 5 PM (08:00 GMT), some areas in South Chungcheong had recorded over 400 mm of rain since Wednesday, a record for the region.

The heavy rains led to the flooding of 87 roads and 38 buildings in the city of Gwangju, located 267 kilometers south of Seoul, within just two hours after heavy rain warnings were issued, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

Additionally, 403 schools were closed, and 166 schools reported property damage due to the flooding, while the Korea Forest Service raised landslide warnings to the highest level in several areas, including Chungcheong, as the rain continued.

The Korea Meteorological Administration expects more rainy weather throughout Thursday night, increasing the challenges faced by authorities in managing the crisis.

South Korea is facing a state of emergency due to the flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rains, necessitating intensive efforts to evacuate residents and protect property.