Evacuation Orders Issued as Heavy Rain Raises Overflow Concerns at Taepyeonggyo Bridge on Gwangjucheon

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

On July 17, as heavy rain continued in the Gwangju area, an evacuation order was issued for residents due to concerns over the possible overflow of Gwangjucheon, a major urban stream.

At around 4:00 p.m. on the same day, the Seo District Office of Gwangju issued an evacuation order, warning of the risk of Gwangjucheon overflowing near Taepyeonggyo Bridge in the Yangdong area. The Seo District Office sent out a disaster alert message stating, "Merchants and residents near the Yangdong Covered Market should immediately evacuate to a safe location." The Seo District Office also issued an evacuation order for Seochangcheon, citing concerns that it could overflow as well.

At 3:46 p.m. on the same day, the Dong District Office of Gwangju also issued evacuation orders to residents living near areas at risk of overflow along Gwangjucheon, Sotaecheon, and Jeungsimsacheon.