Days of relentless rainfall in South Korea have led to devastating flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 37 lives. One of the most tragic incidents unfolded in Cheongju, where a submerged tunnel trapped approximately 15 vehicles, including a bus. As of Sunday, nine bodies have been retrieved from the muddy waters, and rescue efforts continue for the remaining missing individuals.
Nearly 900 rescuers, including divers, are working tirelessly at the tunnel site. Fire officials believe the tunnel filled with water with shocking speed, possibly in just two to three minutes, leaving little time for escape. Images from the scene depict a somber operation, with rescue workers pumping out the murky water and divers navigating the flooded tunnel in rubber boats.
Clearing the tunnel, which is filled with 13 to 16.4 feet of mud and debris, is a painstakingly slow process to avoid further harm to potential survivors or victims. While nine survivors have been rescued, the exact number of people trapped remains uncertain. Family reports suggest around 10 individuals are still unaccounted for.
The torrential downpour has impacted central and southern regions of South Korea particularly hard. Gongju and Cheongyang have recorded over 23.6 inches of rain since July 9th, while Cheongju has seen over 21.2 inches. The Korea Meteorological Administration warns that up to 12 more inches of rain could fall through Tuesday, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides.
The widespread impact of this severe weather is evident in the displacement of over 8,850 people and power outages affecting 27,260 households. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reports significant damage to infrastructure, with nearly 50 roads and over 100 homes damaged or destroyed. At least 35 individuals have sustained injuries.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently on a European trip, has been briefed on the situation and has directed officials to deploy all available resources to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts.
