Rescue workers in South Korea have recovered seven bodies from a flooded underground tunnel as a result of days of torrential rain and widespread flooding. The 685-meter-long (2,247 feet) tunnel in Osong became inundated on Saturday when the nearby Miho River’s banks collapsed. Trapped vehicles, including a bus and 12 cars, prevented people from escaping the rapidly rising water. One body was recovered on Saturday, while an additional six bodies were found on Sunday. Nine survivors managed to cling to the guard rails around the tunnel to stay above water.
South Korea has been experiencing heavy rains since July 9, as the country enters the peak of its summer monsoon season. The Ministry of Interior and Safety reported that the downpours have caused landslides and flooding, resulting in the deaths of 26 people in the central and southeastern regions. The majority of the casualties occurred in North Gyeongsang province, where huge landslides engulfed houses with people inside. The rainfall also forced approximately 5,570 people to evacuate, and thousands were ordered to leave their homes due to the overflowing Goesan Dam.
The severe weather conditions have disrupted travel across the country, with flight cancellations, suspension of train services, and road closures. The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued warnings of continued heavy rain, forecasting further rainfall until next week and emphasizing the grave danger posed by the weather. President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was in Ukraine at the time, called for the mobilization of all available resources to respond to the disaster, while the prime minister urged officials to preempt river overflows and landslides and requested support from the defense ministry for rescue operations.
South Korea is accustomed to flooding during the summer monsoon season, but the country is typically well-prepared, resulting in a relatively low death toll. However, last year’s record-breaking rains and flooding caused significant damage and claimed the lives of over 11 people. The South Korean government attributed the extreme weather to climate change, highlighting the need to address its impacts.
