Severe Rainfall Causes Flooding in Gwangju and Jeonnam

On July 17, 2025, Gwangju and Jeonnam experienced heavy rainfall exceeding 300mm within a single day, leading to significant flooding and prompting evacuation orders for residents near rivers. As of 5 PM, the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration reported cumulative rainfall totals of 311.5mm in Gwangju's Pungam area, 288.5mm in Gokseong's Okwa, and 280.0mm in Damyang's Bongsan, among others. The maximum hourly rainfall reached 92.0mm in Naju and 80.0mm in Gwangju's Nam-gu. The intense downpour submerged various urban areas, with the Gwangju Fire Department recording 419 reports of flood damage, including 236 instances of road flooding and 137 building inundations. Emergency services rescued individuals trapped in vehicles and local businesses, including 77 people isolated in a local food store in Buk-gu's Oryong-dong. The Gwangju Metro Line 1's Sangmu Station was also flooded, halting operations between Nongsung Station and Gwangju Songjeong Station. Authorities issued safety alerts advising residents to avoid travel and return home early due to the risk of further flooding. Evacuation orders were specifically issued for residents near the Gwangjucheon River, particularly around the Yangdong Taepyeong Bridge, which is close to the Yangdong Market, the largest traditional market in the Honam region. The Yongsan River Flood Control Center has issued flood warnings for several areas, including the Yeongsan River at Geungrak Bridge and the Fengyeongjeongcheon 2 Bridge. Meteorological officials warned of continued heavy rainfall overnight, raising concerns about landslides and other safety hazards.