2011 Seoul floods
| Date | July 26 – 29, 2011 |
|---|---|
| Location |  Republic of Korea Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
| Deaths | At least 69 (8 missing) |
| Property damage | Several hundred million USD |
Heavy rainfall in South Korea in late July 2011 triggered a series of flash floods and landslides that killed at least 49 people[1] by July 28, leaving a total of more than 77 dead or missing[2][3]. On July 28, the number of killed rose further to 69.[4] The floods occurred primarily around the national capital Seoul and nearby Siheung regions. At least 86 power outages followed the landslides, affecting 125,000 people by July 28. Over 11,000 South Koreans were forced to evacuate.[5][6]
Causes and meteorology
On July 26, rains and thunderstorms triggered by a trough hit the mountains of the Korean Peninsula, producing over 495 mm (19.5 in) of rain in the Seoul region during a two-day span, the heaviest such event in July since 1907.[5] 587 mm (23.1 in) of rain was recorded in the area after three days.[6]
Impact
On July 27, a landslide buried three hotels in Chuncheon, east of Seoul, killing 13 people from Inha University.[5] A landslide in Umyeon-dong killed 18 residents in an apartment block.[3] Floodwaters innundated highways and tracks of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, while bridges over the Han River were closed off. Damages are likely to be in the hundreds of millions USD. Motor vehicle damages reached $38 million on July 29. Close to 978 ha (2,420 acres) of agricultural land and more than 10,000 homes were flooded.[3]
Economic damage
Rail infrastructure in South Korea was impacted, while a South Korean investment analyst expected economic inflation to reach 4.6%.[6]
Landmine threat
Approximately ten landmines from the Korean War in the vicinity of Umyeon were buried by a landslide on July 27, and have not been recovered as of July 29.[3]
North Korean floods
In neighbouring North Korea, nearly 100 km2 (39 sq mi) of land was flooded, with the worst impact in South Hwanghae. Fatalities and damages are unknown.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Desk, News (July 28, 2011). "Historic Flooding, Landslides Kill at Least 49 in South Korea". PBS Newshour. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Laurence, Jeremy; Seongbin Kang (July 29, 2011). "South Koreans on landmine alert after deadly mudslides". The China Post. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
- ^ a b c d Laurence, Jeremy; Seongbin Kang (July 28, 2011). "UPDATE 2-S.Koreans on landmine alert after deadly mudslides". Reuters. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
- ^ Rabiroff, Jon (July 29, 2011). "U.S. military bases in Korea begin cleanup after massive rainstorm". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
- ^ a b c Reuters, TWN (July 28, 2011). "Scores dead or missing after heavy rains and landslides hit Seoul". The Weather Network News. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ a b c d Cha, Seonjin; Jun Yang (July 28, 2011). "Landmines Go Missing From Seoul Hillside After Torrential Rains". Bloomberg. Retrieved 29 July 2011.