A Citizen Praised for Clearing a Clogged Storm Drain with Bare Hands
as Torrential Rain Causes Widespread Flooding in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
As up to 300mm of torrential rain fell over the Seoul metropolitan area in just two days, causing a series of flooding incidents, an ordinary citizen who cleared a clogged storm drain with her bare hands is receiving widespread praise online.
According to posts compiled from various online communities on the 14th, a video was uploaded to the social networking service Instagram the previous day, along with the caption, "Impressive civic spirit, I respect you," showing a woman in action.
The video was filmed near Hwajeong Station on Subway Line 3 in Deogyang District, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The woman is seen squatting on the sidewalk beside the road, using her bare hands to remove leaves and other debris from a storm drain. Despite muddy water overflowing around her, she appears unfazed by the situation.
The video received more than 20,000 'likes' on Instagram alone. In the comments, users praised her, saying, "It's amazing to do that with bare hands," "She is a true unsung hero," and "I'm honored that this is my neighborhood." Some expressed concern, saying, "You could get hurt by putting your hands into a storm drain. I'm worried."
Recently, heavy rain has battered the northwestern part of Gyeonggi Province. From the 13th until 3 p.m. on the day of reporting, Paju City recorded up to 317.5mm of rainfall. Other areas also saw intense rain, including Ongjin in Incheon (289.6mm), Unnam in Jung District, Incheon (288.5mm), Habongam in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi (276.5mm), Cheongsan in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi (275mm), Gochon in Gimpo, Gyeonggi (270.5mm), Dobong in Seoul (268mm), and Ganghwa in Incheon (242.9mm), with the heaviest downpours concentrated in Incheon and Gyeonggi.
On the 13th, when heavy rain poured over Seoul and the metropolitan area, vehicles were driving on flooded roads in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
As a result, flooding occurred in various parts of the metropolitan area. In Deogyang District, Goyang, a sinkhole measuring 2 to 3 meters deep formed, while in Jeokseong Intersection, Jeokseong-myeon, Paju, roads were submerged, causing traffic paralysis for a time.
There were also disruptions to train services, causing inconvenience for citizens. On the previous morning, train operations between Uijeongbu Station and Daegok Station on the Gyoe Line were suspended. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Additionally, due to heavy rain in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province on the morning of the 14th, subway service between Bucheon Station and Jungdong Station on Line 1 was temporarily halted.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the heavy rain is expected to gradually subside from the afternoon of the 14th, with most areas seeing a lull by night. However, some regions, including southern Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong, may experience continued rainfall until the 15th. After the rain stops, a heat wave is expected to arrive starting from the Liberation Day holiday.
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