[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Heavy rain has fallen across the country, causing water to accumulate in various urban areas and flooding greenhouses, resulting in continuous damage.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 23rd, a total of 67.7 mm of rain fell in Seoul from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Water accumulated on low-lying roads in various parts of the city, such as Dongbu Expressway, Gangbyeonbuk-ro towards Ilsan (Dongho Bridge → Hannam Bridge), and 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 Jungnangcheon, and guided drivers to detour near Wolgye 1 Bridge on Dongbu Expressway as vehicles could be submerged.
Traffic congestion during rush hour 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 levels of the Han River steadily rose from the morning, reaching 3.39 m at Jamsu Bridge, 2.77 m at Daegok Bridge, and 2.31 m at Jungnang Bridge as of 7:30 p.m. The Han River Flood Control Office issued a flood advisory around 6:50 p.m., reporting that the water level at Yeongpyeong Bridge in Pocheon-si on the Imjin River continues to rise.
A heavy rain advisory was also issued for the entire Incheon area. According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters, as of 4 p.m., the fire department received a total of five rain-related reports, including requests for drainage support and safety measures. Around 2 p.m., a greenhouse in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon was flooded, and at 3 p.m., a glass window of a building in Dohwa-dong, Michuhol-gu was broken.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy rain advisory at 8:20 p.m. for Cheongju, Goesan, and Jeungpyeong; at 8 p.m. for Yangyang-gun plains, central Gangwon mountain areas, and Jangseong in Jeollanam-do; and at 7:50 p.m. a heavy rain warning for Chuncheon and Gapyeong in Gangwon. A heavy rain advisory is issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 60 mm in 3 hours or 110 mm in 12 hours. It is difficult to avoid the rain even with an umbrella, and caution is needed regarding accidents such as river flooding. A heavy rain warning is issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 90 mm in 3 hours or 180 mm in 12 hours. Very heavy rain falls, and going out or driving should be avoided.
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