South Korea – Torrential Rain From Typhoon Mitag Causes Deadly Floods and Landslides

by in Asia, News

Update:

Disaster authorities in South Korea reported late (local time) on 03 October 2019 that 10 people have now died as result of Typhoon Mitag.

The fatalities occurred Seongju (1), Yeongdeok (1), Pohang (2), Uljin (2), Samcheok (1), Gangneung (1) and Busan (2). The deaths occurred as a result of flooding or landslides triggered by the heavy rain or floods. At least 4 people are still missing; 1 in Pohang, 2 in Busan and 1 in Uljin.

Original report:

At least 5 people have died and several are still missing after Typhoon Mitag swept through southern and eastern regions of South Korea on 03 October, 2019.

On Sept. 30, the MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA’s Terra satellite provided a visible image of Typhoon Mitag just east of Taiwan. Credit: NASA Worldview

Mitag made landfall in Haenam late on 02 October (local time), bringing strong winds and torrential rain as it moved across the south and south east of the country. More than 1,500 people were evacuated, mostly in southeastern areas including the island of Jeju. As of 03 October, Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the storm had dissipated.

South Korean news agency Yonhap, quoting KMA sources, said that Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, recorded rainfall rates of 104.5 mm per hour, the highest since the authorities began compiling the data in 1971. The city of Donghae, Gangwon Province, saw 67.4 mm of rain per hour, marking the highest figure since 1992, according to the KMA.

Yonhap said torrential rainfall from the storm triggered several deadly landslides and flooding. A landslide in Busan caused widespread damage and at least 1 casualty, with 3 people still missing. In Samcheok, Gangwon Province, a landslide destroyed a house and left one person dead. Another person died after a landslide in the county of Yeongdeok.

At least 2 people drowned after being swept away by flood water; one in the southeastern city of Pohang and another in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

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