Heavy Rain Again...Concerns Over Flooding in Suwon Underground Overpasses and Semi-basement Homes

As heavy rainfall is forecasted for southern Gyeonggi Province, attention is required for flood-vulnerable facilities in Suwon such as underground overpasses and semi-basement residences.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 31st, the expected precipitation in the Seoul Metropolitan Area through September 1st is 30-80mm. In many parts of southern Gyeonggi Province, rainfall of over 120mm is projected.

As rain becomes concentrated in narrow areas, precipitation amounts may vary significantly by region. Strong winds, thunder, and lightning will accompany the rain, and there is a possibility of heavy rainfall of 20-30mm per hour, with some areas receiving over 50mm per hour.

Suwon was previously included in the target areas for a heavy rainfall advisory from the Korea Meteorological Administration. The agency urged residents to prepare for backflow in sewers, storm drains, and drainage pipes, flooding in low-lying areas, and landslides and sediment discharge, and to be especially cautious about vehicle traffic in flooded areas.

In particular, when heavy rain falls in a short period of time, water can rapidly flow into underground overpasses, semi-basement residences, and underground parking lots.

In Suwon, during the concentrated downpours in August 2020, the Hwaseo Underground Overpass near Hwaseong Station was flooded, and vehicle traffic was controlled for approximately three hours. At that time, 48mm of heavy rain fell in 10 minutes in the Hwaseodong area, and one vehicle was submerged. There were no casualties.

Suwon City advises through flood action guidelines that if water begins to accumulate in an underground overpass, one should never enter it, and if already inside, one should leave the vehicle and evacuate quickly.

For semi-basement residences and underground shopping centers, if water rises to shin height on the stairs, it becomes difficult for adults to climb the stairs, so one should evacuate immediately if even a small amount of water accumulates. In cases where water begins to enter an underground parking lot, one should flee first rather than attempt to move the vehicle.

An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "As strong rain falls in narrow areas, there will be significant differences in rainfall intensity and precipitation amounts by region," and urged the public to continuously check the latest weather information.

전시언 기자 yourside@news-s.kr