Suseok Stream Overflows in Cheongju; Evacuation Orders Issued for 16 Areas Over Landslide Risks

Heavy rainfall exceeding 130 mm has battered North Chungcheong Province today (July 9), leading to a series of reports of flood damage across the region.

Among the 11 cities and counties in the province, heavy rain warnings are in effect for Cheongju and Boeun, while heavy rain advisories have been issued for the remaining areas.

Cumulative rainfall by region from midnight to 9:00 a.m. reached 133.8 mm in Cheongju, 133.6 mm in Boeun, 87.5 mm in Jeungpyeong, and 84 mm in Jincheon.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that rain will continue through tonight, with an additional 80 to 150 mm expected, and up to 200 mm in some areas.

According to the Cheongju city government, a portion of Suseok Stream in Seokhwa-ri, Gangnae-myeon, Heungdeok-gu, overflowed at 8:25 a.m. today, causing partial flooding of nearby roads.

The city sent out emergency disaster text messages advising nearby residents to evacuate.

Water levels near Jangseong 2 Bridge on Mipyeong Stream, a tributary of Musim Stream in Seowon-gu, also rose rapidly, reaching the "serious" level for flood warnings.

The water level at Jangseong 2 Bridge climbed to 3.54 meters at 6:00 a.m., exceeding the serious threshold of 3.1 meters, though it is currently gradually receding.

The city issued disaster alerts warning against approaching the stream and is currently on-site to assess the need for further resident evacuations.

Flood advisories have also been issued for the Ipyeong Bridge area in Boeun-gun, located upstream of Daecheong Dam, and the Heungdeok Bridge area on Musim Stream in Cheongju.

The Han River Flood Control Office issued a "serious" flood alert for the Okhwa 1 Bridge area in Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, at 8:30 a.m., urging preparations for potential stream overflow.

In Seowon-gu, the section between Haseok Intersection and Oga Intersection in Haseok-ri, Hyeondo-myeon, has been closed to traffic due to concerns over falling rocks and soil runoff.

The underpass at Munam Railway Bridge in Munam-dong, Heungdeok-gu, was also closed to vehicle traffic due to flooding.

Cheongju city has advised motorists to use alternative routes for both sections.

In Jincheon-gun, County Road No. 3 in Untan-ri, Munbaek-myeon, has been closed due to the heavy downpour.

Train operations are also facing disruptions.

According to KORAIL, as of 8:12 a.m. today, general train services on the Chungbuk Line between Jochiwon and Doan are being temporarily adjusted as a proactive safety measure due to the heavy rain.

The Korea Forest Service has issued a landslide warning for Cheongju and landslide advisories for Jecheon, Boeun, Eumseong, and Goesan.

The 16 towns, townships, and neighborhoods under evacuation orders due to the landslide warning in the Cheongju area include Namil-myeon, Nam-myeon, Namseong-myeon, Naesu-eup, Uam-dong, Yullyang-dong, Su-dong, Daeseong-dong, Yongdam-dong, Myeongam-dong, Sanseong-dong, Yongam-dong, Yongjeong-dong, Undong-dong, Woro-dong, and Miwon-myeon.

According to the North Chungcheong Fire Service Headquarters, a total of 145 reports of flood damage were received between 6:00 p.m. yesterday (July 8) and 7:50 a.m. today.

These include 47 reports related to roads, 37 for drainage, 22 for fallen trees, 12 for soil and rock slides, and 27 others.

At 6:16 a.m., fire authorities were dispatched to a house in Nangseong-myeon, Sangdang-gu, following reports of soil sliding down from a hill behind the residence.

Earlier, at 5:47 a.m., a report was received regarding a flooded road in Mipyeong-dong, Seowon-gu, and drainage work is currently underway.

In Ojeong-ri, Suhan-myeon, Boeun, 119 rescue teams were dispatched at 5:44 a.m. to rescue two people from a flooded house.

An official from the Cheongju Meteorological Office stated, "More heavy rain is expected," and urged citizens to "exercise extreme caution regarding flooding in low-lying areas and safety accidents."

(Photo: Provided by Gyeongbuk Fire Service Headquarters, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.