Rainstorms Hit South Korea, Death Toll Grows

What's the story?

• South Korea has seen nine days of intense flooding and landslides, with a confirmed death toll of 40. 
• The south and central regions of the country have been hit the worst as heavy rain warnings remain in place nationwide. The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that the central and southern regions could still get up to 12 inches of rain through Tuesday as the annual rainy season reaches its peak.

The scale of the damage

• Since July 9, over 10,000 Koreans have had to evacuate their homes. In Cheongju, roughly 900 rescue workers and divers are searching for survivors after 15 vehicles got trapped in a tunnel during a flash flood on Saturday evening. It is estimated that the tunnel may have filled with water in mere minutes.
• Rescue workers have pulled out 13 bodies from the tunnel and rescued nine who are being treated for injuries. Family members called the flooded tunnel a "man-made disaster" and said officials could have prevented it with better planning.
• Rescue workers have also been deployed to the southeastern town of Yechon, where landslides have destroyed houses and roads. Nine people were confirmed dead in the town.
• Almost 200 homes and 150 roads have been damaged or destroyed nationwide, and 28,607 people have been without electricity.
• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called on officials to designate the most affected areas as special disaster zones to help divert resources into the relief and rescue efforts. The president said:

"This kind of extreme weather event will become commonplace … we must accept climate change is happening, and deal with it."

Are you worried about more frequent extreme weather events?

— Emma Kansiz

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)