Since July 16, heavy rainfall has caused flooding of farmland equivalent to the size of approximately 34,000 soccer fields.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as of 5 p.m. on July 19, 24,247 hectares of crops such as rice and soybeans had been submerged due to the recent heavy rain. One hectare is 10,000 square meters, which is roughly the size of 34,000 soccer fields.
On the afternoon of the 17th, heavy rain poured over the entire Gwangju area, flooding the roads around Sinyongdong in Bukgu, Gwangju, submerging vehicles in water. Photo by Yonhap News
The majority of the flooded crops were rice (20,986 hectares) and field soybeans (1,860 hectares).
Melons (139 hectares), watermelons (127 hectares), chili peppers (108 hectares), and green onions (95 hectares) also suffered significant flood damage.
By region, Chungnam, which experienced the heaviest rainfall, recorded the largest area of flooded farmland at 16,714 hectares. Jeonnam followed with 6,361 hectares, and Gyeongnam was next with 875 hectares affected.
Livestock losses were provisionally tallied at 1,034,000 animals, including 925,000 chickens, 108,000 ducks, 60 cattle, and 829 pigs.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
