[Report] Gwangju Submerged by 80mm-per-Hour Downpour... Over 80 Cases of Flooding and River Overflow

Heavy Rainfall of 80mm per Hour Causes Traffic Congestion and Disruptions
Flooding Begins in Gwangjucheon... Advisories Issued for Yuchon Bridge and Others
Flooding Affects 87 Roads and 38 Buildings... Transportation Services Also Impacted
No Reported Casualties... More Rain Forecast Through the 19th

On the morning of the 17th, Gwangju and the Jeonnam region experienced torrential rainfall of up to 80mm per hour. The downpour blurred visibility, and all vehicles on the road slowed down simultaneously. Some truck drivers opened their windows to wipe their side mirrors by hand, while windshield wipers moved constantly without rest. A taxi driver, who said he has been driving for 20 years, commented, "I'm used to this level of rain, but when you can't see ahead, you have no choice but to be cautious."

On the 17th, when a heavy rain warning was issued, the road in front of Bukgu Office in Yongbong-dong, Bukgu, Gwangju was flooded, and vehicles submerged in rainwater were stopped. Gwangju=Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap

The road near Yangdong Market appeared only as a faint outline, soaked by the rain. Citizens carrying umbrellas walked at their own pace, with some stepping off the sidewalk and standing closer to the roadway. A citizen using a taxi-hailing app repeatedly checked their screen, saying, "It keeps getting canceled." Shoulders and pant legs under the umbrella were already drenched.

Gwangju Yangdong Market viewed in the rain. Photo by Bohyun Song

Near the market entrance, a delivery worker in waterproof clothing was pushing a handcart through the rain. Deeper in the alley, a motorcycle delivery worker without rain boots was riding through the wet streets. Water pooled on the road splashed onto the walls as vehicles passed, and buses drove through puddles, sending water flying.

The water level of Gwangjucheon rose rapidly. The walking path near the market had already been closed since the morning, and river water was approaching the roadway, having crossed the edge of the sidewalk. Benches and exercise equipment were submerged, and muddy water surged forcefully beneath the embankment.

The walking path along Gwangjucheon near Yangdong Market in Gwangju is submerged in water. On the morning of the 17th, heavy rain caused the rapid current to rise up to the edge of the sidewalk, leading to the closure of the walking path. Photo by Song Bohyun

According to the Yeongsangang Flood Control Office, as of 12:40 p.m. that day, the water levels were 4.10 meters at Yuchon Bridge, 3.69 meters at Pungyeongjeongcheon 2 Bridge, and 1.75 meters at Samji Bridge, all exceeding 60% of the planned flood level.

Fire authorities controlled vehicle entry at intersections in flood-risk areas, and disaster prevention vehicles patrolled areas of concern to monitor the situation. Safety alert messages were sent throughout the city all morning. Seo-gu District in Gwangju recommended preemptive evacuation to residents near Seochangcheon.

According to Gwangju City, as of 1:20 p.m., about two hours after the heavy rain warning was issued, a total of 87 roads and 38 buildings across Gwangju had been flooded. The city is continuing drainage support and patrols in cooperation with each district to prepare for further damage.

A firefighter is controlling vehicles in a flood-risk area at an intersection in downtown Gwangju. Since the morning, safety alert messages have been continuously sent across various parts of Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

So far, there have been no reported casualties in Gwangju and the Jeonnam region due to this rain. However, the heavy downpour accompanied by lightning caused a series of power outages. A high school in Bukgu, Gwangju, decided on an emergency early dismissal due to a power outage in the morning, and a nearby elementary school also considered early dismissal, but power was quickly restored, allowing classes to continue as normal.

Air and rail transportation were also affected. One passenger flight from Gwangju to Gimpo and one from Gimpo to Gwangju were canceled, while three flights to Jeju were delayed. A total of five trains were halted, including three from Yongsan to Gwangju and Mokpo, and two from Gwangju to Yongsan. Some high-speed trains coming from Seoul were also delayed.

Currently, flood advisories have been issued for major rivers, including Yuchon Bridge on Gwangjucheon, and passage is restricted. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts an additional 20 to 80mm of rain, and in some areas more than 100mm, through July 19.

A delivery worker wearing waterproof clothing is pulling a handcart through the rain on a road near Yangdong Market in Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun