Heavy Rain and Flood Warnings Across South Korea

Seoul Rivers Overflowing Amidst Torrential Downpours; Widespread Heavy Rain Expected

Seoul is experiencing significant flooding, with the Dorimcheon river overflowing and a flood warning issued. Authorities have controlled entry to the river and all 29 other rivers in the city are also being monitored.Residents are urged to stay away from rivers and low-lying areas, even as the rain subsides temporarily.

Heavy rain is forecast to spread across the country, withJeollanam-do, Gwangju, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Sejong City facing intense downpours of up to 50mm per hour. The Chungcheong region, which suffered last night, bracing for more severe rain tonight, with concerns of further damage from 50-80mm per hour rainfall. Southern regions can expect heavy rain from tomorrow evening into the morning, with potential accumulations exceeding 180mm in southern Gyeonggi and over 300mm in Busan, Ulsan, southern Jeonnam, and Jirisan.

The saturated ground heightens the risk of landslides, with Chungcheong already at the highest ‘severe’ crisis stage, and other areas at ‘boundary’ stage. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution and be prepared for continued heavy rainfall, including thunderstorms and strong gusts, particularly in the southern regions tomorrow.Strong winds are also expected along the west coasts of Chungnam and Jeonbuk,and elsewhere at around 15m per second,necessitating vigilance to prevent facility damage.

Disclaimer: This report is based on weather forecasts and official warnings. Please stay updated with local authorities for the latest safety information and advisories.

What specific safety measures are advised for residents in areas prone to landslides due to the saturated ground?

Current Situation: July 17, 2025

South Korea is currently grappling with widespread heavy rainfall and subsequent flood warnings. As of today, July 17, 2025, significant portions of the country, particularly the central and southern regions, are under red and yellow alerts for torrential downpours and potential flooding. the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued urgent advisories, forecasting continued heavy rain through the weekend. This extreme weather event is impacting daily life, infrastructure, and prompting emergency response measures nationwide.

Regional Impact & Rainfall Totals

The hardest-hit areas include:

Gyeonggi Province: Surrounding Seoul, experiencing some of the highest rainfall accumulations. Reports indicate over 300mm of rain in some areas within the last 24 hours.

North Chungcheong Province: Facing significant river flooding and overflowing reservoirs. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in low-lying areas.

South Jeolla Province: Coastal regions are bracing for potential landslides and flash floods due to saturated ground.

Seoul metropolitan Area: While not under the most severe alerts, Seoul is experiencing significant disruption to transportation and daily commutes due to localized flooding.

Recent Rainfall totals (as of 09:00 KST, July 17, 2025):

1. Mount jiri: 412.5mm
2. Gurye, south Jeolla Province: 387.5mm
3. Jeongeup, north Jeolla Province: 355mm
4. Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province: 320mm

These figures are expected to rise as the rainfall continues. The KMA is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates every three hours.

Flood Risks and Safety Measures

The primary concerns stemming from the heavy rain are:

Flash floods: Rapidly rising water levels in streams and rivers pose an immediate threat to life and property.

Landslides: Saturated slopes are vulnerable to landslides,particularly in mountainous regions.

Urban Flooding: Drainage systems in cities are struggling to cope with the volume of water, leading to widespread urban flooding.

River Overflow: Major rivers are nearing capacity, increasing the risk of breaches and widespread inundation.

Safety Guidelines:

Heed Evacuation Orders: If authorities issue an evacuation order, comply immediately.

Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Stay away from rivers, streams, and floodplains.

Secure Property: Move valuables to higher ground and secure outdoor objects.

Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates from the KMA and local authorities.

Road Safety: Avoid driving through flooded roads. Even shallow water can be dangerous.

Power Outages: Be prepared for potential power outages and have emergency supplies on hand.

Transportation Disruptions

The heavy rain is causing significant disruptions to transportation networks across South Korea:

railways: Several train lines, including KTX high-speed rail, have experienced delays and cancellations due to track flooding and safety concerns.

Roads: Numerous roads and highways are closed due to flooding and landslides. Check traffic conditions before traveling.

Air Travel: While major airports remain operational, some flights have been delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility and safety protocols.

Ferry Services: Ferry services to islands have been suspended due to rough seas and high winds.

Travelers are strongly advised to check with transportation providers for the latest updates before commencing their journeys.Real-time traffic information can be found on the Korea Road Corporation website.

Emergency Response & Government Actions

The South korean government has activated its emergency response system to deal with the crisis. Key actions include:

Deployment of Emergency Personnel: Firefighters, police, and military personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue and evacuation efforts.

Establishment of Emergency Shelters: Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents.

Flood Control Measures: Dams and reservoirs are being carefully managed to regulate water flow and prevent breaches.

Financial Assistance: The government is preparing to provide financial assistance to those affected by the flooding.

damage Assessment Teams: Teams are being dispatched to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate recovery efforts.

Historical context: Past Flooding Events in South Korea

south Korea is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly during the monsoon season (typically June-July).

2020 Monsoon Floods: In 2020, South Korea experienced one of its worst monsoon seasons in decades, resulting in widespread flooding, landslides, and significant loss of life. Over 40 people were killed and thousands were displaced.

2017 Typhoon Kong-rey: This powerful typhoon brought torrential rain and strong winds to the Korean Peninsula, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Recurring Urban Flooding in Seoul: Seoul has historically struggled with urban flooding due to its dense population and limited drainage capacity. Recent infrastructure improvements have helped mitigate the risk, but the city remains vulnerable during periods of extreme rainfall.

These past events highlight the importance of preparedness and effective disaster management strategies.

Resources & Further Information

* korea Meteorological administration (KMA): [http://wwwweathergokr/[http://wwwweathergokr/