South Korea’s Ministry of Interior and Safety data showed today (Saturday) that 22 people have died and 14 are missing, while thousands have been evacuated on the third day of heavy rain that triggered landslides and overflowed a dam.
The ministry stated that as of 6:00 pm (09:00 GMT) 4,763 people had been evacuated across the country, after a dam was flooded this morning in North Chungcheong Province after it exceeded its capacity.
Local governments have ordered the evacuation of more than 7,000 people at different times, according to the provincial authorities, while the South Korea Meteorological Administration said that number is expected to rise, with more heavy rain expected over the Korean Peninsula on Sunday.
The Korean Railways said it has suspended all slow trains and some high-speed trains, while other express trains may be delayed due to slow operation, as landslides, floods and rockfalls pose a safety hazard.
A train derailed when a landslide dumped dirt and sand on railway tracks in Chungcheong Province. There were no passengers on board, but the train engineer was injured, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Prime Minister Han Duk-soo, in a meeting with the government, called on the military to actively participate in rescue activities by working with government officials to mobilize equipment and manpower.
