Record-breaking rainfall flooded an underground apartment parking garage in Misu-dong, Tongyeong, submerging vehicles and requiring emergency drainage efforts [1].
The incident highlights the vulnerability of urban residential infrastructure to extreme weather events in South Korea's coastal regions. As rainfall intensity increases, the capacity of underground drainage systems to prevent property damage is under scrutiny.
Emergency crews from the local fire department have spent approximately 24 hours [2] using drainage pumps to remove water from the facility [3]. The garage, which has a maximum capacity of 170 vehicles [1], was inundated during the early hours of Monday.
Field reporter Lim Hyung-jun said the fire department is currently using pumps to remove the water [3]. The flooding occurred as part of a larger weather pattern affecting the region. An anchor for YTN News said record-breaking heavy rain caused damage in various locations across Tongyeong and nearby Geoje [3].
Residents reported that the water rose rapidly, trapping cars in the lower levels of the complex. Firefighters have remained on-site to manage the water levels and ensure the structural safety of the garage before residents can recover their vehicles.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as they work to clear the remaining debris and water. The operation remains ongoing as crews attempt to restore the facility to a usable state.
“Record-breaking heavy rain caused damage in various locations across Tongyeong and nearby Geoje.”
This event underscores a growing trend of 'urban flash flooding' where underground spaces, designed for convenience, become liabilities during extreme precipitation. The reliance on emergency fire crews for basic drainage suggests that existing municipal and residential pumping infrastructure may be insufficient for the scale of record-breaking rainfall now occurring in the South Gyeongsang Province.
