4 Dead in Heavy Rains in S. korea

South Korea has experienced unprecedented rainfall levels not seen in the past 200 years, resulting in the deaths of four people, according to the country's Meteorological Service and the Ministry of Interior.

Three regions—Gunsan in North Jeolla, Gumsan in South Chungcheong, and Chupungryeong in North Chungcheong—witnessed the highest rainfall levels ever recorded.

According to a spokesperson from the Korean Meteorological Service, these areas experienced rainfall amounts typically seen only once every 200 years.

Data from the meteorological service showed that Gunsan received 131.7 millimeters of rain within one hour early Wednesday, which is more than 10% of the region's average annual rainfall.

The heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow and roads to flood, forcing people to wade through waist-deep water in some areas.

The Ministry of Interior reported that the torrential downpours led to four fatalities.

Rescue teams found one victim trapped in an elevator after water flooded an apartment building in Nonsan, South Chungcheong. Another person was found dead after being swept into a drainage system while checking crops in Daegu.

In North Chungcheong, a man was washed away while driving home after tending to his livestock, and his body was recovered after three hours.

Additionally, a man in his seventies died when a landslide caused his house to collapse in Seocheon.

Train operators have suspended several services in the southern regions affected by the heavy rains.

Interior Minister Lee Sang-min urged residents to avoid underground parking lots, tunnels, and streams during heavy rainfall to ensure their safety.