Escape before two-thirds of the tire height rises
If trapped in the vehicle, you must break the 'window' and get out
On the night of the 22nd, heavy rain poured nationwide, causing continuous flood damage. Sudden water accumulation on roads led to numerous cases of vehicle flooding. Flood risks on roads and underground parking lots during the rainy season should not be taken lightly. Delayed response can result in being swept away by strong currents, trapped in vehicles, or electric shock, leading to terrible accidents.
Escape Immediately Before Water Rises... Break the Window if Trapped
So, how should you respond if water starts rising around your vehicle? Ahead of the full rainy season, the Seoul Metropolitan Government recently released public action guidelines.
First and foremost, avoid entering areas with high flood risk from the start. Underground parking lots and underpasses are especially prone to flooding during the rainy season. If you find yourself entering an underground road and flooding begins, you must move to a safe place immediately before the rainwater reaches two-thirds the height of your car tires.
If water rises above two-thirds of the tire height, you must leave the vehicle immediately. Trying to drive out while still inside the car can lead to accidents caused by strong currents. When water enters on a slope, water pressure makes it difficult for the vehicle to move.
If the car is already submerged and the doors won’t open, you must break the window to escape. Removing the headrest from the car seat reveals two long metal rods underneath. You can use these rods to break the window and get out. When breaking the window, it is easier to strike the corners rather than the center.
Be Cautious of Flooding Anytime, Anywhere During the Rainy Season
The above photo shows firefighters rescuing residents trapped in a flooded area on the 18th, and the photo below shows the same area on the 22nd when the rain had subsided. [Image source=Yonhap News]
When rain falls at around 100mm per hour, water can rise anywhere at any time. Last year, a sudden downpour flooded the Gungpyeong Underpass in Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, causing vehicles to flood and resulting in a major accident.
This year, flood damage continues during the rainy season. Around 11:15 PM on the 22nd, a vehicle was flooded by rainwater on a road in Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Province. Fortunately, the fire department responded promptly after receiving a report and rescued the trapped driver within 30 minutes, towing the vehicle out of the water.
Meanwhile, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of the morning of the 23rd, heavy rain clouds are passing through northern Chungnam and inland Gangwon, with heavy rain warnings issued for these areas. Concentrated heavy rain of 30mm per hour is expected mainly around the Seoul metropolitan area until the morning. Up to 80mm of rain is forecast for southern Gyeonggi, and up to 60mm for inland Gangwon and northern Chungnam.
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