One death and one missing person were reported as of Monday afternoon as typhoon Prapiroon lashed South Korea, causing floods and flight cancellations.
Authorities have confirmed that a 53-year-old woman, a Thai national living in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, died Saturday after being struck by lightning while working at a farm.
Also on Sunday, a 73-year-old woman, living in Boseong, South Jeolla Province, was sent to a hospital after suffering minor injuries in a mudslide.
South Korea`s Jeju Island on Monday (Yonhap)
Weather authorities have issued warnings, especially for those living in the Jeolla, Gyeongsang and Jeju regions.
As of late Monday afternoon, a typhoon watch has been issued for the southern waters of the Jeju Island, and a strong-wind warning has been issued for Heuksando, an island in the West Sea located off the southwest coast of Mokpo, South Jeolla Province. Wind warning has also been issued to Hongdo, another island near Heuksando as well.
For coastal waters of Jeju, in particular, a high seas watch was also in effect.
A heavy rain watch has been issued for many regions across the country, including North Gyeongsang Province (Yeongju, Andong, Bonghwa), South Chungcheong Province (Seocheon, Geunsam, Nonsan and Gongju), and most cities of Gyeonggi and North Jeolla provinces.
A warning for heavy rain has been issued for Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.
The typhoon has also forced many newly elected governors to cancel their inauguration ceremonies scheduled for Monday.
A total of 33 flights at eight airports nationwide were also canceled Monday. At the same time, 410 trail roads in 16 national parks have been closed for safety reasons. More than 25 ferry services were also canceled.
In addition, as of Monday, a total of five residential buildings have been reported damaged. More than 50 vehicles and 61 buildings, including houses, were waterlogged.
Authorities announced Sunday that two officials would be dispatched to each of the eight metropolitan cities and nine provinces nationwide to prepare for possible landslides and heavy rain.
The typhoon was expected to hit Korea’s southernmost island of Jeju and other regions in the country hard starting Monday evening and continue at least until Tuesday.
The Korea Meteorological Association warned of possible secondary disasters, particularly mudslides and a sharp increase in water levels across the country.
Authorities have advised people to stay away from places that will likely be inundated by rising water or waves such as beaches and riverbanks.
It is also advised to avoid hanging wires and unstable structures, such as bridges, damaged properties and ports near rough waters.
The agency also said drivers must be extra careful during heavy rain, as it might not be possible for them to see clearly through the windows.
“Be sure the wipers are functioning properly and adjust the speed to make sure you have a clear view ahead,” an official told The Korea Herald.
By Claire Lee (
dyc@heraldcorp.com)