Just as we were expecting a cool autumn breeze, a sudden 'autumn monsoon' has fiercely struck the southern and Chungcheong regions of the Korean Peninsula. Record-breaking 'water bombs,' rivaling the summer rainy season, have been pouring down, causing a series of rain-related damages across the country. In particular, Nakwol-do in Yeonggwang, Jeonnam, recorded a staggering 579.5mm of cumulative rainfall over three days starting August 28, and on the dawn of the 31st, an shocking 103.5mm of rain per hour was recorded.

The rain clouds also spread fiercely into the Chungcheong region. On the night of the 31st, torrential rain exceeding 50mm per hour hit Hongseong, Chungnam, triggering emergency heavy rain disaster alerts, and resulting in the full closure of Ogwang Bridge, Ogam Bridge, and the Naepo underpass. On the same night, a flood advisory was issued for the Guman Bridge area of Sapgyo Stream in Yesan County, leading to a tense situation where residents in low-lying areas of Yesan, Hongseong, Dangjin, and Asan were ordered to prepare for evacuation.

Most concerningly, this heavy rainfall has led to tragic casualties. In Jeongeup and Gochang, North Jeolla Province, elderly farmers who went out to check rice paddy irrigation or greenhouses amidst the downpour have gone missing, and search operations are underway. Previously, a missing person swept away by the Sincheon Stream in Daegu was found deceased, highlighting the deadly risks of this autumn rain.

The government has raised the crisis alert level to 'Caution' and activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to respond. While such accidents occur every year, it is extremely dangerous to go out to check irrigation for farmland or approach rapidly rising streams during heavy rain. As further rain is in the forecast, residents in hazardous areas must stay alert to weather updates and remain in safe locations.

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