Rescuers in South Korea have recovered 13 bodies from a flooded tunnel in the city of Cheongju, where floodwaters poured in on Saturday night, trapping vehicles and commuters. While the exact number of people stuck in the 685-meter tunnel is still undisclosed, officials have confirmed the presence of 15 vehicles. The devastating floods, landslides, and power cuts caused by extreme rainfall have already claimed at least 39 lives across the country.
In the suburb of Osong, where the tunnel was inundated, several bodies were found inside a bus, while nine survivors were rescued on Saturday. The victims’ families are expressing frustration, suggesting that the tragic deaths could have been prevented if local authorities had responded effectively. Reports from local media outlets indicate that the river flood control office had issued a warning about the rising water levels a few hours before the incident, indicating that traffic should have been diverted in the tunnel area.
The torrential rains in South Korea resulted in nearly 300mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall on Saturday alone. While the country typically experiences 1,000mm (39.4 inches) to 1,800mm (70.9 inches) of rainfall annually, much of it occurs during the summer months. Aerial images from the flood-affected areas depict brown mud and deep floodwaters submerging homes, with only the tops of roofs visible.
Evacuation orders have affected thousands of people across various regions, prompting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to request military assistance in the rescue efforts. In addition to the tunnel disaster, the overflowing Goesan Dam in North Chungcheong led to the evacuation of approximately 6,400 residents. Low-lying villages near the dam and connecting roads were submerged, leaving residents trapped in their homes. Train services have also been disrupted due to a landslide in North Chungcheong.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has warned of more rainfall in the coming days, emphasizing the “grave” danger posed by the ongoing weather conditions. Similar extreme rain events have caused devastating floods and landslides in other Asian countries, including India, China, and Japan, over the past few weeks. Scientists attribute the increasing likelihood of extreme rainfall to a warming atmosphere caused by climate change, which allows the atmosphere to hold more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours over shorter periods and smaller areas.
Source: BBC
