A general view shows landslide caused by torrential rain in Yecheon, South Korea, July 15, 2023. 
South Korea

Unprecedented rains in South Korea: 22 dead, thousands evacuated

Twenty-two people have died, 14 were missing, and thousands evacuated in South Korea as of Saturday, as a third day of torrential rains caused landslides and the overflow of a dam.

By Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -Twenty-two people have died, 14 were missing and thousands evacuated in South Korea as of Saturday, according to ministry data, as a third day of torrential rains caused landslides and the overflow of a dam.

As of 6 p.m. (0900 GMT), 4,763 people had been evacuated nationwide, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, as water overtopped the dam in North Chungcheong province on Saturday morning.

Local governments' evacuation orders covered more than 7,000 people at various times, according to provincial authorities.

Rescue workers take part in a search and rescue operation at an underpass that has been submerged by an flooded river caused by torrential rain in Cheongju, South Korea, July 16, 2023.

The tally is expected to rise as more heavy rain is expected on the Korean peninsula on Sunday, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted.

A view of a road submerged by a flooded river caused by heavy rain in Cheongju, South Korea, July 15, 2023.

Korea Railroad Corp said it was halting all slow trains and some bullet trains, while other bullet trains might be delayed due to slower operation, as landslides, track flooding and falling rocks threatened safety.

A vehicle makes its way through a flooded area caused by heavy rain in Cheongju, South Korea, July 15, 2023.

A slow train derailed late on Friday when a landslide threw earth and sand over tracks in North Chungcheong province, the transport ministry said. The engineer was injured, but no passengers were on board.

Family members of missing persons react as rescue workers take part in a search and rescue operation at an underpass that has been submerged by an flooded river caused by torrential rain in Cheongju, South Korea, July 16, 2023.

In a meeting with government agencies on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called for the military to actively join in rescue activities, working with government officials to mobilise equipment and manpower.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Michael Perry and William Mallard)

Also Read

Landfill collapse in Philippines triggers rescue effort

French farmers protest EU-Mercosur deal over cheap food imports

Russia, France in prisoner swap as researcher Vinatier freed

Pope Leo vows to continue Church reforms at cardinals’ summit

Australia to probe rise in antisemitism after mass shooting