Heavy Rain of Around 50mm per Hour Hits Gwangju and South Jeolla...Seochangcheon Stream at Risk of Flooding

Sudden heavy rain has hit Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, prompting disaster prevention authorities to go on high alert.

A road in Sinan-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, was submerged in rainwater on the afternoon of the 3rd of last month when a heavy rain warning was in effect. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration, as of 6:40 p.m. on September 4, a heavy rain warning was in effect for Gwangju and Damyang in South Jeolla Province, while a heavy rain advisory was issued for Naju, Gokseong, and Hwasun in South Jeolla Province. Naju and the Pungam area in Seo-gu, Gwangju, experienced intense rainfall, with 54mm and 47mm per hour, respectively.

Due to the heavy rain, the Seochangcheon Stream (at the Byeokjin-dong point) in Gwangju reached a severe flood information stage, raising concerns about possible flooding. The Pungam Underpass intersection in Pungam-dong, Seo-gu, was submerged, forcing vehicles to take detours. Disaster prevention authorities advised residents, via emergency safety text messages, to avoid dangerous areas such as riverbanks and riverside parking lots.

The rain is forecast to continue until around 9 p.m. on September 4, with an additional 50 to 60mm expected, and up to around 80mm in some areas before it stops. An official from the meteorological administration cautioned, "There will be many places experiencing gusty winds, thunder, and lightning where it is raining," and urged the public to pay close attention to facility management and safety accidents.