China News Service, Seoul, August 5 (Reporter Zeng Nai) The water level has skyrocketed due to continuous heavy rains. A major dam on the upper Han River in South Korea opened its gates on the afternoon of the 5th to release floods.

  In the past week, heavy rains continued in many parts of South Korea, with frequent floods and mudslides. As of the morning of the 5th, the torrential rain has caused 15 deaths, more than 1,300 homes were destroyed, and more than 1,600 victims.

  According to the Korea Water Resources Corporation, the heavy rain caused the water level of the Soyang River Dam to exceed the warning level. In order to prevent secondary disasters, it was decided to open the floodgates at 15:00 local time on the 5th. The flood discharge capacity will reach 3000 tons per second.

  Zhaoyang River Dam was put into use in 1973, and this was the first gate opening in the past three years. The dam is located on the Soyang River, a tributary of the North Han River, and is known as the "last fortress of the Han River".

  South Korean officials said that the opening of the floodgates may increase the water level of the Han River by nearly 2 meters on average, but no other safety hazards are expected.

  The South Korean Meteorological Department forecasts that this year's No. 4 typhoon "Hagupit" is expected to pass through the Korean Peninsula this week, and rainfall may continue. (Finish)