Seoul devastated by torrential rains, dozens dead and missing

The Gangnam district, in Seoul, on August 8, 2022. AFP - -

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The latest flood toll in South Korea is estimated at eleven dead and eight missing.

More than 5,000 people were evacuated.

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The photos and videos circulating on social networks are impressive.

People waist deep in water, overflowing subway stations, flooded shopping malls... Seoul's Gangnam district was particularly hard hit, with half-submerged cars .

Flood in Seoul.

Gangnam district.

pic.twitter.com/PEHvf9epMi

— MouneCasta (@MouniaDjillar) August 9, 2022

Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said it was the heaviest rainfall recorded in Seoul since weather observations began 115 years ago.

Among the victims, three died trapped in their flooded semi-basement apartment, according to the ministry.

It would be a teenager, his mother and his aunt, according to local media.

During a meeting on relief operations, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said the government had already carried out the bulk of the emergency repair work.

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