The heavy rains that have been pounding South Korea have resulted in a tragic incident, as the bodies of six people trapped in a submerged tunnel were recovered by firefighting authorities. The death toll from the relentless downpours has now reached 33 across the country.
According to Seo Jeong-il, the head of the west Cheongju fire station, it is estimated that approximately 15 vehicles, including a bus, were submerged in the flooded underpass in the city. The search operation is still ongoing, as there is a possibility of more people being trapped in the area.
As of 11 a.m., the Ministry of Interior and Safety reported that 10 people were missing due to the heavy rainfall, which triggered landslides and floods nationwide. Evacuations have been carried out, affecting 7,866 individuals. However, the exact number of people trapped in the flooded tunnel remains uncertain.
In response to the situation, Korea Railroad Corp has suspended slow trains and some bullet trains due to concerns over safety, including landslides, track flooding, and falling rocks.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently on an overseas trip, has instructed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to mobilize all available resources to minimize casualties. With more heavy rain expected on Sunday, efforts are underway to address the ongoing challenges caused by the extreme weather conditions.