Geoje and Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, have been battered by torrential rain over the three-day Liberation Day holiday, with more than 700 millimeters of rain recorded in Geoje and authorities responding to reports of flooding, landslides and evacuations.

A flooded road in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, following torrential rain over the weekend (Yonhap)
A flooded road in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, following torrential rain over the weekend (Yonhap)

An emergency disaster alert was sent to all Geoje residents at around 2:10 a.m. Monday, warning of the risk of landslides and river flooding and urging them to evacuate to safe areas.

A landslide struck an apartment complex in Okpo-dong, Geoje, at around 4:42 a.m., covering a first-floor unit and leaving at least one resident dead.

According to authorities, more than 20 emergency calls were received in Geoje between Sunday night and early Monday from residents seeking rescue from flooded or isolated homes and vehicles.

Mud and debris, including tree branches toppled by a landslide, block access to a building in a residential area in Okpo-dong, Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
Mud and debris, including tree branches toppled by a landslide, block access to a building in a residential area in Okpo-dong, Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
Firefighters conduct a rescue operation following a landslide in a residential area in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
Firefighters conduct a rescue operation following a landslide in a residential area in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
Mud and trees swept over by a landslide cover parked vehicles in a residential area of Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)
Mud and trees swept over by a landslide cover parked vehicles in a residential area of Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Monday morning. (Yonhap)

Rivers have overflowed and roads have been submerged in several parts of the city, making it difficult for rescue crews to reach affected areas.

Geoje received more than 400 millimeters of rain between Sunday night and early Monday morning, adding to the more than 700 mm that fell over the three-day holiday weekend.

A stream swells near an apartment complex in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, following heavy rain on Monday. (Yonhap)
A stream swells near an apartment complex in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, following heavy rain on Monday. (Yonhap)

The Korea Meteorological Administration said Geoje had recorded 805.7 mm of rain from midnight Aug. 15 to 8 a.m. Monday, while Tongyeong received 671.9 mm.


milaya@heraldcorp.com