Emergency services in Geoje, South Korea, raised their response level to Stage 2 following more than 800mm of rain over three days [1].
The extreme rainfall triggered widespread infrastructure failure and threatened residential areas, necessitating the deployment of specialized national rescue teams to prevent casualties.
The storms began on Aug. 15 and continued through Aug. 17 [1]. During this period, some areas experienced rainfall exceeding 100mm per hour [1]. The intensity peaked during a midnight surge that brought approximately 500mm of rain [1].
Local authorities faced a surge in emergency calls, with more than 20 requests for rescue reported [1]. The Geoje Fire Station initially issued a Stage 1 response at 1:10 a.m. before elevating the status to Stage 2 at 6:18 a.m. [1].
"The rain that fell in Geoje for three days starting from the 15th, Liberation Day, exceeds 800mm," said reporter Song Se-hyeok [1].
The deluge caused river overflows, landslides, and flooded roads across several districts, including Gohyeon-dong, Suwol-dong, Okpo-dong, and Ajoo-dong [1]. In response, the National Fire Agency deployed the Yeongnam and Honam 119 Special Rescue Teams, along with the Ulsan 119 Chemical Rescue Center [1].
Evacuations were prioritized in high-risk villages. Approximately 100 residents were moved from Yesol Village [1], while about 30 people were evacuated from Hoejin Village [1]. Rescue operations also extended to areas in Ilun-myeon and Dundeok-myeon [1].
"The National Fire Agency also urgently deployed the Yeongnam and Honam 119 Special Rescue Teams and the Ulsan 119 Chemical Rescue Center to the scene," said a National Fire Agency official [1].
“The rain that fell in Geoje for three days starting from the 15th, Liberation Day, exceeds 800mm.”
The deployment of specialized chemical and special rescue teams indicates that the flooding in Geoje exceeded the capacity of local municipal services. The scale of the rainfall—specifically the 100mm hourly rate—places this event in the category of extreme weather, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal South Korean villages to rapid-onset landslides and flash flooding during the summer monsoon season.
