Rainfall in South Korea Seoul kills at least nine buildings and cars
Record downpours flooded homes, roads and subway stations in the South Korean capital Seoul this week, killing at least nine people, as forecasters warned of more rain.
The torrential rain eased on Wednesday, though already-flooded areas could see an additional 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain through Thursday, which could lead to further flooding and mudslides, forecasters warned.
Three of those who died had been trapped in a flooded semi-basement, according to South Korea's Interior and Safety Ministry. Seventeen others were injured, and at least seven people remain missing, the ministry said.
More than 500 people have been evacuated since heavy rain lashed Seoul Monday night, with the ministry providing tents, blankets and other aid items. Meanwhile, authorities are launching cleanup and rescue services, with the fire department had rescued 145 people as of Wednesday.
About 2,800 structures, including houses, shops, retaining walls and other infrastructure, were damaged, though most had been repaired as of Wednesday morning, according to the safety ministry.
As of Tuesday night, parts of Seoul saw up to 497 millimetres (19.6 inches) of rain. The city recorded 141.5 millimetres (5.6 inches) of rain per hour, the highest rate since authorities began keeping records in 1907.
Photos from the city during Monday's flash floods show people wading across roads up to their thighs in water.
n some parts of Seoul, drains backed up and sent water into streets and subway stations, according to the Seoul Metro. Several stations were closed due to flooding, with lines temporarily suspended Monday night.
Seoul typically averages 348 millimetres (13.7 inches) of rain in August -- the wettest month there. Several locations recorded this much rainfall in just one day.
Parts of Japan also saw downpours on Monday night, with some regions of Hokkaido reporting flooding but no injuries as of Tuesday. Authorities have warned of the risk of flash floods and landslides.
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