Sky Hole Water Bomb in the South, Sweat Dripping in the Steaming Hot Seoul

Flood Damage in Various Parts of Yeonghonam After Heavy Rainfall

Due to the influence of the monsoon front, heavy rain fell overnight in the southern regions, resulting in one person missing and damage to houses, among other damages. Meanwhile, the Seoul metropolitan area showed relatively calm conditions, raising concerns about the need to be cautious of localized heavy rain with significant regional variations.

Damage Continues Due to Overnight Heavy Rain... One Person Missing in Hampyeong, Jeonnam

On the afternoon of the 27th, when a heavy rain warning was in effect, the intersection in front of the Geumho 2-dong Community Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju, was flooded. [Image source=Yonhap News Agency·Gwangju Western Fire Department]

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 28th, more than 200mm of heavy rain poured overnight in Gwangju and Jeonnam areas, flooding houses, apartment parking lots, and other places. From 7 PM the previous day to 5 AM on the day, precipitation amounts recorded were highest in Gwangju at 270.7mm, followed by Chosun University at 233mm, Pungam at 232mm, and Gwangsan at 202mm.

During the night, the Gwangju and Jeonnam Fire Headquarters received 158 and 73 reports of rain damage, respectively. Due to the heavy rain, residents evacuated, and various damages occurred, including soil being washed onto roads.

In particular, in Eomda-myeon, Hampyeong-gun, Jeonnam, a report was received around 10:32 PM the previous day that a woman in her 60s was swept away by the water current. It is reported that she went out with her husband to open a sluice gate as the river water level rose and went missing.

On the morning of the 28th, about 50 meters of the embankment along Seokgokcheon in Mangwol-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, has collapsed. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In the Gyeongnam region, heavy rain also fell mainly along the southern coast and western inland areas. According to the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters, a total of 60 reports of rain damage were received from 8 PM the previous day to 7 AM on the day.

In particular, in Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam, four people evacuated due to house flooding in four areas including Idong-myeon and Samdong-myeon. The heavy rain warnings (advisories and alerts) issued for 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam, including Changwon, were lifted around 6:20 AM on the day.

Localized Heavy Rain Increasing Due to Global Warming... Risk of Landslides

On the afternoon of the 27th, when a heavy rain warning was in effect, the fire department was conducting drainage work at the intersection in front of the Geumho 2-dong Community Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju.
[Image source=Yonhap News Agency·Gwangju Western Fire Department]

While heavy rain continued overnight in the southern regions, Seoul and the metropolitan area mostly maintained clear and hot weather. This phenomenon is related to the recent surge in localized heavy rain.

Localized heavy rain refers to intense rainfall concentrated in a specific area within a short period. Due to climate anomalies caused by global warming, localized heavy rain is occurring much more frequently than in the past, requiring caution.

Especially since localized heavy rain occurs suddenly, it is difficult to forecast, increasing the risks of flooding, landslides, and inundation.

Accordingly, the Korea Meteorological Administration has urged preparations against rain damage, such as flooding in low-lying and agricultural areas, river and valley overflows, and backflow in drains and sewers, as the monsoon season accompanied by localized heavy rain begins.