Gyeongnam Sees Up to 125.5 mm of Heavy Rain; Drought Relief Followed by Successive Damage

▲ Much-needed rain falls on Baegan Reservoir in Muan-myeon, Miryang-si, Gyeongnam, where severe drought has continued on the 16th. (File Photo)

Up to 125.5 mm of heavy rain poured across the Gyeongnam region yesterday (August 17).

Among major locations, Geumnam in Hadong recorded the highest cumulative precipitation at 125.5 mm.

This was followed by Danseong in Sancheong with 112.0 mm, Hadong with 109.0 mm, Jinju with 108.9 mm, Mt. Jirisan in Sancheong with 105.0 mm, Hapcheon with 87.9 mm, Hamyang with 49.3 mm, and Geochang with 45.2 mm.

Farmhouses and reservoirs that had been on high alert due to recent drops in reservoir water levels and poor crop growth are expected to receive significant relief from the drought thanks to this rainfall.

However, with strong rain exceeding 250 mm forecasted for some areas including Mt. Jirisan, emergency preparedness has been stepped up, including raising the landslide crisis alert to the "Caution" stage.

The Korea Forest Service also raised the landslide crisis alert for Gyeongnam from "Interest" to "Caution."

The Korea Meteorological Administration predicted that heavy rain of 150 to over 250 mm could pour further today (August 17), centered around the south coast of Gyeongnam and areas near Mt. Jirisan.

As the rain poured, related damages followed successively.

According to the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters and other sources, a total of 74 firefighting operations were carried out due to heavy rain and strong winds, including 1 water rescue, 5 drainage supports, and 68 public assistance cases such as road obstacles.

Drainage support and facility safety measures also continued.

No casualties were reported.

An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "Areas around Mt. Jirisan and the southern coast may experience sudden rises in valley water levels due to heavy downpours," adding, "People must take caution to prevent flood damages such as safety accidents involving campers in valleys and landslides."

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