Heavy rain soaks nation; Jeju hit by strong winds
People use their umbrellas in the rain as they walk pass Jongno District, Seoul, July 2. Yonhap
Heavy rain soaked much of the nation Tuesday, while the southern island of Jeju was hit by strong winds, resulting in flight cancellations and delays.
Seoul had received 58.2 millimeters of rain as of 2:30 p.m., while central and southwestern regions had received more than 80 mm, with 83.7 mm in the southwestern city of Gunsan, 82.8 mm in the city of Buyeo and 82.7 mm in the central city of Sejong, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
Rain will continue through Tuesday night before coming to a stop Wednesday morning in most regions, the KMA said, though the Seoul metropolitan area and the eastern province of Gangwon will see rain continue until Wednesday afternoon.
A stream in the southwestern city of Gwangju, some 267 kilometers from Seoul, is seen inundated from the monsoon rain, June 30. Yonhap
Jeju was hit by strong winds of up to 26 meters per second. As of 1 p.m., a strong wind warning was issued in the island's northern region and the mountainous regions, while a strong wind advisory took effect across the rest of the island.
Entry to Mount Halla was completely off-limits, while 22 flights were canceled and 59 delayed.
Firefighters were called to various locations across the country to respond to damage from the heavy rain and strong winds.
On Jeju, two people working for the local archeology center were rescued after being buried under a pile of earth during excavation work for cultural assets.
In Bucheon, just southwest of Seoul, firefighters drained water from a flooded semi-basement apartment, while in nearby Incheon, strong winds caused a tree to fall onto a pavement and another to collapse inside a park. In one Incheon neighborhood, a sewer flooded onto the streets.
The interior ministry activated the Level 1 operation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as of 7:30 a.m. to respond to the heavy rains, and elevated the warning level to "caution."
Interior Minister Lee Sang-min ordered that places at risk of flooding, including near streams, underpasses, and parking lots, be cordoned off and passersby be guided for detours in order to prevent any human casualties.
Lee ordered that residents in vulnerable areas be helped to flee for safety in advance and the speedy evacuation of those living in semi-basement housings at risk of being inundated. He also called for emergency texts and alarms to be swiftly sent to people to inform them of any updates to the situation. (Yonhap)
Onlookers observe the collapsed wall of an empty house due to heavy rains in Gwangju, June 30. Yonhap