Rain-induced flooding forces Seoul to declare emergency level one

Sunday's torrential rain turned Seoul's downtown avenues into miniature rivers, disrupting everyday activities for thousands of commuters.

Municipal engineers explained that gusty winds swept numerous leaves into the city's drainage channels, creating blockages that accelerated surface flooding. The Gangbuk ward logged a peak of 53.5 mm in just one hour, the highest hourly measurement nationwide on that date.

By 5 p.m., the fire department had fielded 129 emergency calls. These comprised 47 requests for assistance with water removal, 21 reports of trees felled onto sidewalks, and 60 inquiries about the condition of public facilities.

At 3:16 p.m., an official alert warned citizens to avoid low‑lying districts that were most susceptible to rapid water accumulation.

Although the heavy‑rain advisory for the north‑east, north‑west, and south‑west districts was lifted at 3:30 p.m., rain continued to fall sporadically throughout the afternoon. Total rainfall in Gangbuk climbed to 65 mm, while the southern Songpa area saw the lightest accumulation at 20 mm.

Key transport routes were impacted. The road segment beneath Jungseon Bridge in Sogdae‑mun was completely closed around 3:04 p.m. after water levels made it impassable. Drivers were cautioned to proceed carefully on damp roads and to stay aware of strong winds.

In Gangnam ward, a fallen tree blocked a bustling street, halting both vehicular and pedestrian flow. Meanwhile, the Yoonpyeong ward in the north‑west recorded water that reached knee height in several lower‑lying blocks.

Shop owners were observed clearing piles of leaves that had impeded the drainage system, attempting to accelerate water runoff.

The adverse conditions forced the cancellation of a number of large‑scale public events, including the Grand Mint Festival that had been scheduled for Olympic Park in Songpa.

Seoul's emergency management team initiated Level 1 protocols at 2:40 p.m., partially activating twelve rain‑water pumping stations to drain excess water from critical streets.

A senior official noted that, while the rain was subsiding, damage reports continued to pour in. The administration's immediate priority is to coordinate with district offices to address pending safety issues and prevent any additional incidents.