South Korea: Heavy rainfalls kill one in Seoul (Aug. 29)

Event

On August 29, heavy downpours hit capital city Seoul, causing flash flooding and killing one person (by drowning). Vehicles were trapped on flooded expressway (3 meters - 10 ft - above the ground). Seoul region received massive rainfall throughout August 28 (e.g. 7.5 cm - 3 in - of rain pounding the city between 20:00 and 21:00 ; 12 cm - 4.7 in - from midnight until 09:00 this morning in northern districts of Dobong and Nowon). The downpours also caused local power outages. 

Context

Heavy rainfalls also severely affected central and north-eastern regions (North Chungcheong Province, Gangwon Province, Gyeonggi Province) during the same period. Authorities issued flood and landslide warnings for Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. The weather agency forecasts that rainstorm will continue in Seoul and central regions on August 29 and 30.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Please be advised that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all food discarded.