[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Heavy rain reaching 30mm per hour fell in Seoul and the metropolitan area, causing water to accumulate in various parts of the city and traffic congestion during the evening commute.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 23rd, a total of 67.7mm of rain fell in Seoul from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Heavy rain also poured in Gyeonggi-do, with 131.2mm in Paju, 127mm in Yangju, and 120.5mm in Pocheon.
Water accumulated on low-lying roads in various parts of the city, such as the Dongbu Expressway in Seoul, the Gangbyeonbuk-ro towards Ilsan (Dongho Bridge → Hannam Bridge), and the Olympic-daero towards Hanam (Haengju Bridge → World Cup Bridge), causing delays in vehicle traffic. The Seoul City Traffic Information Division advised caution when using the Dongbu Expressway around 8 p.m. due to rising water levels in the Jungnangcheon Stream, and guided drivers to detour near Wolgye 1 Bridge on the Dongbu Expressway as vehicles could be submerged.
Traffic congestion during the evening commute was also severe. According to Seoul City, as of 7:30 p.m., the average vehicle speed in the entire downtown area was 13.9 km/h, and the overall vehicle speed in Seoul was only 16.3 km/h.
The water level of the Han River was steadily rising as of 7:30 p.m., with 3.39m at Jamsu Bridge, 2.77m at Daegok Bridge, and 2.31m at Jungnang Bridge. The Han River Flood Control Office issued a flood advisory around 6:50 p.m., stating that the water level at Yeongpyeong Bridge in Pocheon City on the Imjin River was continuously rising.
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