Geoje Hit by 782 mm of Rain; More Than 120 Residents Isolated or Evacuated [Roundup]
- Input
- 2026-08-17 09:11:52
- Updated
- 2026-08-17 09:11:52
[Financial News] Record-breaking rain of up to 782.5 mm over three days battered the South Coast of South Gyeongsang Province, leaving more than 20 residents isolated in Geoje and forcing more than 100 others to evacuate urgently to avoid landslide risks. Geoje also recorded extreme rainfall of up to 124.5 mm per hour, prompting the government to activate Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters emergency response.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 17th, Level 1 of the CDSCHQ emergency response was activated at 6 a.m. after heavy rain warnings were issued for Busan, South Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Province, and flooding and isolation incidents continued. As strong rain clouds concentrated over the South Coast, including Geoje and Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, rescue and evacuation efforts also continued.
In Hoejin Village in Geoje, more than 20 residents were isolated by flooding and other damage, and rescue operations were launched. In Yesol Village in Aju-dong, Geoje, more than 100 residents evacuated urgently as landslide risks grew. As flooding and landslide threats intensified in areas hit by torrential rain over a short period, authorities restricted access to dangerous zones.
Rainfall was concentrated in Geoje. From Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on Aug. 17, cumulative rainfall in Geoje reached 782.5 mm. Over the same period, Tongyeong received 628.9 mm of rain, while Gangseo-gu, Busan recorded 428.5 mm.
Hourly rainfall also surged to record levels. Geoje recorded a peak of 124.5 mm per hour, while Gangseo-gu, Busan saw 101.5 mm and Tongyeong 97.4 mm. In Geoje and Gangseo-gu, Busan, more than 100 mm of rain fell in a single hour at one point.
The government has begun responding to prevent further casualties from flooding, landslides and other damage as the heavy rain continues. Yun Ho-jung, head of the CDSCHQ, said the government would work with relevant agencies to do everything possible to protect lives until the rain stops and recovery efforts are completed.
Yun also asked residents to keep checking disaster alerts and hazard notices. He urged them not to approach landslide-prone areas, valleys, riverbanks or coastal areas, and to follow evacuation orders or access restrictions issued by local governments, fire departments and police.
[email protected] Jung Ji-woo Reporter