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South Korean floods kill 22 as thousands evacuated

By AAP Newswire

Jul 15, 2023

Houses collapsed from a landslide caused by rain in South Korea, — At least 22 people have been killed as heavy rains in South Korea trigger landslides and floods. -AP

Twenty-two people have died, 14 are missing and thousands have been evacuated in South Korea as a third day of torrential rains caused landslides and the overflow of a dam.

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As of 6pm (0900 GMT) Saturday, 4763 people had been evacuated nationwide, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, after water overtopped the dam in North Chungcheong province earlier in the day.

Local governments' evacuation orders covered more than 7000 people at various times, according to provincial authorities.

The tally is expected to rise, with more heavy rain expected on the Korean peninsula on Sunday, the Korea Meteorological Administration said.

Korea Railroad Corp said it was halting all slow trains and some bullet trains, while other bullet trains might be delayed due to slower operation as landslides, track flooding and falling rocks threatened safety.

A slow train derailed late on Friday when a landslide threw earth and sand over tracks in North Chungcheong province, the transport ministry said.Â

The engineer was injured, but no passengers were on board.

In a meeting with government agencies on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called for the military to actively join in rescue activities, working with government officials to mobilise equipment and manpower.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press