The Heaviest Rainfall Since 1942 Submerges Seoul, Leaving at Least 7 Dead and 6 Missing
Officials in South Korea reported that the capital city of Seoul and its surrounding areas experienced rain exceeding 100 mm per hour on the night of August 8, causing streets, homes, and subway stations to flood, with numerous vehicles stalled in the water.
The rainfall in the Dongjak District of Seoul reached over 141.5 mm at one point, marking the highest level since 1942. By 4 AM, the accumulated rainfall in this district had reached 417 mm.
A car submerged in water in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea, on the night of August 8. (Photo: AFP).
Heavily flooded streets in Incheon on August 8. (Photo: Yonhap).
Roads in the capital city of Seoul submerged in floodwaters. (Photo: Yonhap).
High floodwaters in Seoul. (Photo: Yonhap).
Rainwater flooding into Isu subway station in southern Seoul. (Photo: Yonhap).
Many buses stranded in floodwaters. (Photo: Twitter).
The heavy rainfall caused power outages in many areas of Seoul, while residents in low-lying regions rushed to evacuate to safer locations. Social media images showed floodwaters pouring into subway stations, causing some lines to suspend operations.
Authorities in Seoul confirmed that at least 5 people have died and 4 are missing due to the flooding. Among the deceased, 4 were trapped in their homes as the floodwaters rose too quickly, and one victim died from electrocution.
In Gyeonggi Province, two bodies were also found under debris, with two individuals reported missing, 9 injured, and 163 people from 107 households displaced, temporarily sheltering in schools and other public facilities.
Streets in the capital city of Seoul, South Korea, submerged in floodwaters on the night of August 8. (Video: Reuters).
Approximately 80 roads, three subway lines, and 26 riverside parking lots were closed due to safety concerns. Firefighters also rescued 88 people from flooded canals in Gyeonggi and other areas.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued heavy rain warnings for the neighboring provinces of Gangwon and Chungcheong, indicating that the heavy rainfall in central South Korea would continue until midweek.
