Unexpected hazards of rain boots: Why they’re not safe in extreme rainfall

A woman wearing rain boots walks along Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul, July 2, 2024. Newsis

With many people pulling on their rain boots as heavy rain continues to pound the country, the hidden dangers of wearing the popular footwear during severe downpours are gaining renewed attention here.

On Friday, a poster originally distributed by Japanese broadcasting channel NHK to foreign residents was widely shared on Korean social media platforms, offering a guideline for evacuating during torrential rain.

The poster specifically warns against wearing rain boots when evacuating on foot in extreme conditions. That's because in heavy rain or flooded streets, water often rises above boot height and can easily flow into boots, which then quickly become cumbersome.

This added weight can make movement difficult and slow down evacuation. Rain boots may also provide less traction, increasing the risk of slipping and falling on wet surfaces.

NHK's safety guideline poster for evacuation during extreme downpours, which advises people not to wear rain boots / Screenshot from internet

Instead, the guideline recommends wearing lace-up sneakers, which are less likely to be filled with water and typically offer better grip, making it safer to walk in wet and hazardous conditions.

For safer evacuation during floods, experts advise wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent injuries, using a helmet or hat to protect the head, and carrying a backpack to keep hands free. Raincoats are also recommended over umbrellas for better mobility and visibility.

According to a Fuji News Network report last year, adults should avoid walking in water deeper than knee height, as water pressure makes movement difficult. Even shallow but fast-moving water can sweep people off their feet.

Experts stress the importance of prompt evacuation if water levels rise or signs of sewer backup appear, and children or older adults should exit underground spaces before water rises above 40 centimeters.

Since Wednesday, Korea has seen a "once-in-a-century" downpour in the southwestern parts of the peninsula, causing widespread property damage and casualties and forcing more than 1,000 people to evacuate.

Seosan in South Chungcheong Province — one of the hardest-hit areas — got over 440 millimeters of rain in just 10 hours, which is around 35 percent of the region's annual precipitation.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warns that up to 180 millimeters of rain or more may fall in parts of the country through Saturday, urging the public to take caution.