Extreme rainfall caused widespread flooding and landslides in the South Korean cities of Geoje and Tongyeong on the night of Aug. 16 and morning of Aug. 17, 2024 [1, 2].
The intensity of the storm disrupted critical infrastructure and caused casualties, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal urban areas to sudden, high-volume precipitation events.
Rainfall intensity exceeded 100 mm per hour [1], a volume described as a "water-bomb" by local reports. The torrential downpour led to flash flooding that submerged major roads and transport terminals, which caused significant disruptions to public transportation services [1, 2].
In Geoje, the flooding affected multiple neighborhoods, including Jangpyeong-dong [2]. Landslides triggered by the rain hit apartment buildings, resulting in casualties [1]. Local authorities issued emergency disaster alerts via mobile text messages as the storm progressed [1].
News outlet YTN received more than 100 reports of flood damage overnight [1]. The scale of the damage included submerged transit hubs, and residential areas that remained inaccessible during the peak of the storm.
Reporter Kim Tae-won said landslides hit apartments and caused casualties, while terminals and major roads were submerged, disrupting public transport [1].
Emergency crews worked to clear debris and drain submerged roads as the rain subsided. The event marks one of the most severe bursts of rainfall for the region during the August period [1, 2].
“Rainfall intensity exceeded 100 mm per hour”
The occurrence of 'water-bomb' style rainfall—where extreme volumes fall in a very short window—places immense pressure on urban drainage systems designed for steadier precipitation. The resulting landslides in residential areas suggest that saturated soil on slopes near apartment complexes remains a primary risk factor during South Korea's extreme weather events.
