Record rainfall has hit South Gyeongsang Province, particularly affecting the southern coastal areas of Geoje and Tongyeong, where over 500mm of rain has caused casualties, flooding, and road damage.
According to the South Gyeongsang Province Disaster Safety Headquarters, as of 11:30 a.m. on August 17, one person has died and dozens have been displaced due to the heavy rain, with access to over 200 dangerous areas completely restricted.
Since August 15, the cumulative average rainfall in the region has reached 195.9mm.
By city and county, Geoje recorded the highest rainfall at 570.3mm, followed by Tongyeong at 449.2mm, Goseong at 327.9mm, and Sacheon at 286.7mm. Notably, the Hadu area in Geoje saw an extreme 843.5mm, while Tongyeong recorded 684.9mm, leading to widespread chaos.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a heavy rain warning for Geoje and maintained a heavy rain advisory for Changwon, Tongyeong, Sacheon, Goseong, and Namhae, forecasting an additional 80 to 150mm of rain (with some areas possibly exceeding 250mm) throughout the day, raising concerns about further damage.
Casualties from the heavy rain have also been reported. In Geoje and Tongyeong, landslides and mudflows resulted in one death and three injuries. In Geoje, a landslide buried a house, leading to one fatality and two injuries, while Tongyeong reported one injury from a mudflow.
Property damage is also significant, with 12 roads, four rivers, 23 landslides, and 20 homes either damaged or flooded. Additionally, power outages have affected 2,030 households, and two livestock have died. Fire authorities have conducted 345 safety operations, including 32 rescues and six drainage support efforts, focusing on emergency recovery.
To prevent further casualties, the province has implemented proactive evacuation measures for residents in dangerous areas. A total of 165 residents from 125 households in Tongyeong, Sacheon, and Geoje have been evacuated to safer locations. Of these, 66 residents from 45 households have returned home, while 99 residents from 80 households remain in community centers, village halls, or with relatives.
Due to rising river levels and flooding concerns, access to 212 locations in the province is strictly controlled. This includes 111 pedestrian bridges, 47 riverside walking paths, 18 underpasses, 13 roads, and two parking lots.
In particular, the Geoje area has seen major roads and the vicinity of the intercity bus terminal flooded and blocked due to mud and debris.
South Gyeongsang Province has raised its disaster response level to Stage 2 and mobilized 1,468 provincial and municipal officials to maintain a 24-hour emergency response system.
Under strong directives from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the provincial governor, the province has deployed personnel and equipment to high-risk areas, including landslide-prone zones, steep slopes, riversides, and underpasses, ensuring no gaps in response during nighttime and early morning hours.
Additionally, a dedicated management system for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and disabled, has been activated, and residents have been informed of the disaster situation and safety measures through 68 disaster text messages, 1,457 automated voice notifications, and 852 village broadcasts.
A representative from the South Gyeongsang Province Disaster Safety Headquarters stated, "The concentrated rainfall has increased the risk of landslides and mudflows on weakened ground due to drought. We urge everyone to avoid dangerous areas and cooperate with evacuation guidance from local authorities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.