A restaurant in Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, sits submerged after heavy rain at around 5:47 a.m. Sunday. [Provided by the South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Fire Department. Redistribution and DB prohibited]
A restaurant in Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, sits submerged after heavy rain at around 5:47 a.m. Sunday. [Provided by the South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Fire Department. Redistribution and DB prohibited]

More than 200 millimeters of rain fell overnight across South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, where heavy rain advisories are in effect, triggering a wave of flood damage reports.

The South Jeolla-Gwangju Integrated Fire and Safety Headquarters said Sunday that 125 flood-related emergency calls had been received as of 10:30 a.m.

Of those, 118 involved flooding — including 50 at residential buildings, 38 on roads, 14 at commercial establishments, 11 in residential yards, three in basements and one involving a vehicle. The remaining seven reports covered sewer backups, fallen trees and other incidents.

At around 9:24 a.m., fire authorities in Mokpo pumped out a flooded basement in a commercial building in Honam-dong.

Earlier, at around 7:48 a.m., safety measures were carried out at a restaurant in Hwangsan-myeon, Haenam-gun, after rainwater began rising inside the premises.

The intense rainfall also toppled street trees and caused sewer systems to overflow in multiple areas, though no casualties were reported.

Maritime traffic and access to national parks were restricted as a precaution against accidents.

Five vessels on nine routes were suspended out of 88 ships operating across 51 routes connecting Wando, Mokpo, Yeosu and Goheung. Entry was also fully banned at several national parks in the region, including Mudeungsan, Jirisan in South Jeolla Province and Naejangsan Baegam.

The Gwangju Regional Office of the Korea Meteorological Administration said cumulative rainfall as of 10:30 a.m. Sunday stood at 201.3 millimeters in Haenam, 185.9 millimeters in Yeongam, 165 millimeters in Mokpo, 133 millimeters in Jindo, 110 millimeters in Muan, 87.5 millimeters in Jangheung, 74 millimeters in Yeosu and 45.8 millimeters in Gwangju.

Mokpo also set a new all-time August record for hourly rainfall during the downpour.

Hourly precipitation reached 66.4 millimeters in Mokpo, 64 millimeters in Haenam, 60.8 millimeters in Jindo, 44 millimeters in Muan and 33.5 millimeters in Yeonggwang. Heavy rain had been battering major areas since Saturday, when the rain began.

The rain has since weakened, with some areas entering a lull.

All heavy rain warnings previously issued have been lifted, while heavy rain advisories remain in effect for 10 cities and counties — including Hwasun, Boseong, Yeosu, Gwangyang, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Gurye, Goheung and Wando.

The rain, which began Saturday under the influence of a low-pressure system, is forecast to continue through Monday before tapering off.

Expected rainfall totals for Sunday through Monday are 50 to 100 millimeters for Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, and up to 200 millimeters along the southern coast of eastern South Jeolla Province.

"Areas still receiving rain should brace for strong gusts and lightning," a Gwangju KMA official said. "Residents must take care to stay safe."


sij@heraldcorp.com