Record rain in S. Korea triggers fatal floods in Seoul
STORY: Record rainfall has killed at least eight people in and around the South Korean capital, Seoul, according to authorities on Tuesday (August 9).
Torrential rain has knocked out power lines, caused landslides and submerged roads and subways across the capital and in a neighboring province.
In Seoul’s glitzy Gangnam district, buildings flooded and vehicles have been submerged, leaving many stranded.
Such as 31-year-old office worker Lim Na-kyung who slept in a Pilates studio overnight.
“I couldn't believe that I was trapped in building with 40 other people in the middle of Gangnam district due to floods. It reminds me of Titanic. I was so scared. My two little sons were waiting at home, so I wanted to go back home which was only 10 minutes away, but I couldn't possibly move. The situation was unbelievable. I've finally begun to feel the impact of climate change, all these kinds of situations were caused by it."
Official data shows at least 765 facilities have been damaged, while around 52 highways and roads have been blocked.
Hundreds have also been evacuated from their homes.
Visiting a flood-hit area of Seoul on Tuesday, President Yoon Suk-yeol blamed climate change.
“The intensive heavy rain that broke the record for hourly precipitation in Korea's meteorological history, is believed to be due to abnormal weather conditions caused by climate change. The government should review the current disaster management system from scratch, taking into account these abnormal weather conditions caused by climate change."
More heavy rain is forecast and is expected to continue until at least Wednesday.
Although South Korea often experiences heavy rain during the summer, according to Korea’s Meteorological Administration, it's the worst rainfall in decades.
