Floods-Longsor In South Korea Kill 18 People

UNSPLASH/KG Baek ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Extreme wet weather in South Korea eased on Monday after days of heavy rains that triggered floods and landslides and killed 18 people.

Nine people are still missing until Sunday night, South Korea's Ministry of Home Affairs and Security said. While the residents in the area worst affected are still in shock.

In Gapyeong, about 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) northeast of the capital Seoul, some residents reminisce about the times they almost avoided flooding after a 173-millimeter (6.8-inch) rain flooded the area in just 17 hours on Sunday.

Gapyeong was among a number of places that recorded the highest daily rainfall record in one day and broke the previous national daily rainfall record, which was 156.3 mm, which was recorded on September 30, 1998.

"The land below me collapsed, and the water rose as high as my neck. Fortunately, there is an iron pipe near here. I am holding on as strong as I can," said Ahn Gyeong-bun, the restaurant owner who was almost completely destroyed. reported by Reuters, Monday, July 21.

Two people were killed and four people missing after a landslide hit houses around Gapyeong and floods swept the vehicle until Sunday, the ministry said.

For those who survive like Ahn, an uncertain future awaits.

"I've been running this restaurant for 10 years. What should I do now?" Ahn asked, standing beside the badly damaged building, perched beside the overflowing river.

While occasionally crying, the 65-year-old said some of her restaurant's refrigerators were washed away by the flood.

Throughout South Korea, damage from rain has been reported in 1,999 public buildings and 2,238 private facilities, including agriculture.

Although the rain has eased, the national weather agency has now issued a national heat wave warning.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered a comprehensive response to the disaster, his office said.

"Because local heavy rains have become commonplace, special actions based on regional characteristics are urgently needed," said Kang Yu-jung, spokesman for Lee's office.

"If heavy negligence or wrongdoing is found in the discipline of civil servants, we will hold them accountable and thorough action will be taken to prevent the recurrence of the incident," he added.

Lee, who took office in June, vowed to make the country safer and prevent a repeat of disasters in recent years who have often been blamed for the lack of response from the authorities.

"If heavy negligence or wrongdoing is found in the discipline of civil servants, we will hold them accountable and thorough action will be taken to prevent the recurrence of the incident," Lee said.