South Korean Rain Storm, 2 People Died, 1,000 People Evacuated

JAKARTA - Two people were killed and more than 1,000 people evacuated in South Korea after the country was hit by heavy rains on Thursday.

As of 11.00 local time, Thursday, July 17, several areas in South Chungcheong in the south of the capital Seoul have been raining more than 400 millimeters (15.7 inches) since Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Security said.

The heavy rain resulted in record rainfall in the area and weaker weather is expected to occur on Thursday night.

Landslides warning was raised to the highest level for several areas, including Chungcheong, as heavy rains continued, according to the Korean Forestry Service.

In the city of Gwangju, about 267 kilometers (166 miles) south of Seoul, 87 roads and 38 buildings were submerged in about two hours after heavy rains were issued, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Around 403 schools were closed and 166 schools reported damage to buildings due to heavy rains