Heavy Rain Concentration in Gyeonggi Region, 'Flooding and Isolation in Various Areas'... Gyeonggi-do Elevates to 'Emergency Level 2'

Strengthened Preparedness for 69 Landslide-Prone Areas, 32 Steep Slopes, and 40 Flood-Prone Roads

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Heavy rain poured across Gyeonggi-do, causing flooding and isolation in various areas.

According to the Gyeonggi-do Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on the 8th, a heavy rain advisory was issued for each city and county in the province from 8 a.m. that day. As of 4:40 p.m., heavy rain warnings were in effect for 24 cities and counties, and heavy rain advisories for 7 cities and counties.

Around 10:30 a.m., National Road No. 3 between Wacho-ri and Sinseo Intersection in Yeoncheon-gun was submerged by rainwater, and soil spilled onto the road, causing it to be closed.

Also, the stream dam in Seolun-dong, Pocheon-si collapsed, prompting local governments and fire authorities to take action, and a flood warning was issued at Yeongpyeonggyo Bridge at 3 p.m.

At around 12:30 p.m., one person who was isolated at Gwangbaek Reservoir in Yangju-si was rescued by the dispatched 119 rescue team.

There were also incidents of isolation involving one person in Dapgok-ri rice fields in Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, and two people in Gwangjang, Mubong-ri, Soheol-eup, Pocheon-si.

The road in Geumsan-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si was also submerged.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 4 p.m. that day, rainfall amounts recorded were 173.5 mm in Yeoncheon, 140.5 mm in Pocheon, 114.5 mm in Yangju, and 113.5 mm in Gapyeong.

Earlier, Gyeonggi-do elevated the operation of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to Emergency Level 2 (headed by the Director of the Safety Management Office) from 3 p.m.

Within the province, 23 locations were closed, including 7 underpass roads (2 in Icheon, 4 in Yongin, 1 in Dongducheon), 8 Sewol bridges (6 in Yangju, 1 in Yongin, 1 in Dongducheon), 5 riverside parking lots (2 in Goyang, 1 in Yongin, 1 in Pyeongtaek, 1 in Yangju), and 3 riverside walking trails (1 in Bucheon, 2 in Pyeongtaek).

Accident preparedness was strengthened in 69 landslide-prone areas, 32 steep slopes, and 40 roads vulnerable to flooding.

Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted, "In regions where narrow rain cloud bands form north to south and extend east to west, mainly in the central region, very heavy rain exceeding 50 to 80 mm per hour accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected."

They added, "Please be especially cautious of flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers and reservoirs, and rapid currents, and evacuate in advance to safe places in landslide-prone areas."