Heavy Monsoon Rains Hit Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, Damages Reported

Korea Forest Service Issues Landslide Warnings for Buk-gu, Gwangju and Damyang, South Jeolla Province
12 Reports of Rain-Related Damage Including Road Flooding in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province

Officials from Gwangsan District inspected rainwater drains in Songjeong1-dong on the 20th to prepare for the rainy season. Provided by Gwangsan District

Due to the influence of a stationary front, heavy rain has poured down on Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, prompting landslide alerts to be issued throughout the region.

According to the Korea Forest Service's Landslide Information System, as of 9 a.m. on June 21, a landslide warning was issued for Buk-gu in Gwangju and Damyang in South Jeolla Province. Landslide advisories have also been issued for Gokseong, Gurye, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province.

As a result, a total of 52 residents from 35 households in Gokseong, Damyang, and Jangseong evacuated to community centers and other safe locations as a precaution against possible landslides.

Since the previous day, cumulative rainfall has reached a maximum of 83.5 mm in Okhwa, Gokseong, followed by 79.5 mm in Hampyeong, 77.5 mm in Bongsan, Damyang, and 76.9 mm in Gwangju.

The highest hourly rainfall was recorded at 47.5 mm in Bongsan, Damyang, 39.5 mm in Gokseong, and 39.1 mm in Gwangju, indicating intense downpours in these areas.

Reports of minor rain-related damage have continued amid the torrential monsoon rains.

In Gwangju, the 119 emergency call center received a total of seven reports, including four cases of fallen trees and three cases of road flooding. In South Jeolla Province, five reports were received regarding road traffic disruptions caused by fallen trees and other incidents.

With heavy rain warnings issued across the region, preventive traffic controls are also being implemented.

In Gwangju, access is currently restricted at 336 river entry and exit points, 57 stepping stone bridges, and 11 riverside parking lots. In South Jeolla Province, access is restricted at eight riverside roads and 21 riverside parking lots in areas under weather advisories.

Access to one area of Mudeungsan National Park in Gwangju and four areas of national parks in South Jeolla Province has been restricted. In addition, the operation of three passenger ships on three routes, including Wando and Mokpo, has been suspended.

Meanwhile, Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province are working to minimize rain damage by inspecting evacuation measures for landslide-prone areas, monitoring agricultural and livestock facilities such as rice paddies and greenhouses, checking construction sites and agricultural reservoirs during the rainy season, and restricting access for campers in areas expected to experience heavy rainfall, among other measures.