Torrential rainfall killed more than 26 people in South Korea
Heavy rains have killed 26 people and caused thousands to evacuate their homes across South Korea, authorities said on Saturday.
Seoul: At least 26 people have been killed by deadly flooding in South Korea, as torrential rainfall continues to batter central regions. A third day of downpours triggered landslides and caused a major dam in the central North Chungcheong province to overflow. Heavy rain submerged roads, swept away cars and disrupted railways. Most of the casualties were reported from the North Gyeongsang province.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has asked the military to assist with rescue efforts.
Authorities say many cars have been submerged in an underground tunnel in the central Chungcheong province – prompting fears the number of fatalities could rise.
Thousands of people have been affected by evacuation orders issued by various local governments. More than six thousand residents were evacuated after the Goesan Dam began to overflow.
A number of low-lying villages near the dam, as well as many of the roads connecting them, were said to have been submerged, leaving some residents trapped in their homes.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast more rainfall in the coming days. It warned that the weather conditions pose a grave danger.
Ms Kalinga