Tragedy struck in South Korea as rescue workers discovered nine bodies from a flooded tunnel near the city of Cheongiu, following torrential rains that triggered widespread devastation across the country. The floods, landslides, and power cuts have resulted in at least 35 fatalities, with more than ten people still reported missing. The underpass near Cheongiu quickly filled with floodwaters, trapping passengers and drivers in their vehicles, rendering them unable to escape. As rescue efforts continue, it remains unclear how many people are still trapped in the 685-meter long tunnel in Osong, with 15 submerged vehicles adding to the complexities. Among the victims, several were recovered from a bus found inside the tunnel. On a positive note, nine survivors were rescued on Saturday, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

South Korea has been battling the consequences of unrelenting rainfall, with reports indicating that 300mm (11.8 inches) of rain fell across the country on Saturday alone. This natural disaster has significantly impacted transportation, with bullet train services being suspended, and slow trains experiencing disruptions. The devastation has been most severe in the mountainous North Gyeongsang region, where landslides have obliterated entire houses, leading to loss of life and displacement of residents. Across Asia, the monsoon season has wreaked havoc, with more than 100 lives claimed by floods and landslides in several countries, including India, China, and Japan. The extreme weather has triggered evacuations of hundreds of thousands of people, further compounding the challenges faced by affected communities. Experts emphasize that climate change is amplifying the risks of flooding worldwide, with warming atmospheric conditions contributing to heavier rainfall and a higher frequency of extreme weather events. Developed countries like Japan are well-prepared for flood management measures, but low-income countries with limited resources face significant challenges in mitigating the dangers posed by such calamities.

As South Korea and other Asian nations grapple with the aftermath of the floods, governments and communities are on high alert, making prevention and emergency response their top priorities to safeguard lives and minimize the impact of the ongoing monsoon season.