Recently, Andong City and its neighboring areas in Gyeongsangbuk-do have experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall. This has significantly impacted the daily lives of residents, and emergency rescue and recovery operations are ongoing in several areas. Below is a detailed description of the main damage and the current situation of the residents.
Main Damage
1. Flooding and Isolation
• Imdong-myeon, Yean-myeon, Nokjeon-myeon, and Bukhu-myeon in Andong City have suffered severe damage due to heavy rainfall. In particular, many residents in the areas of Wiri and Daegok-ri in Imdong-myeon have been isolated, necessitating urgent rescue operations.
• There have been 55 cases of house flooding, 21 cases of soil erosion and landslides, and 33 cases of road obstructions. Consequently, the Gyeongbuk Fire and Safety Headquarters conducted a total of 13 rescue operations, safely rescuing 30 people.
2. Traffic Control
• The road from Jungpyeong Samgeori in Imdong-myeon to Ipam-myeon in Yeongyang County has been closed in both directions due to heavy rainfall. Additionally, several provincial and county roads have been blocked by soil erosion and landslides. For example, Provincial Road 920 and County Roads 2 and 11 are included in these closures.
Response and Recovery Efforts
1. Emergency Rescue and Recovery Operations
• The Gyeongbuk Fire and Safety Headquarters is promptly conducting rescue operations to minimize damage caused by the heavy rainfall. Recovery efforts for homes and roads are being carried out simultaneously.
• Emergency recovery work includes the removal of soil and debris, road repairs, and restoration of flooded homes. Continuous vigilance is being maintained to prevent further damage.
2. Evacuation Measures
• According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, more than 120mm of additional rain is expected in the northern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, increasing the risk of further river flooding and landslides. As a result, residents of Andong City and nearby areas are being moved to safe shelters, and local authorities are guiding residents to evacuate quickly.
• Similar damage has occurred in Yecheon County and Yeongyang County, where residents are evacuating to community centers and other safe locations.
Current Situation of Residents
1. Residents’ Reactions
• One resident stated, “The rain came down so heavily that my house was suddenly flooded. I am grateful that the firefighters came and rescued us.”
• Another resident mentioned, “The roads were blocked, so we couldn’t leave, but the rescue team arrived and helped us. Now we are just waiting for the water to recede.”
• A household in Imdong-myeon expressed, “We were extremely inconvenienced as the electricity and water were cut off. We hope the recovery work is completed quickly.”
2. Response from Local Authorities
• An official from Andong City remarked, “As heavy rain is expected to continue, there may be further damage from river flooding or landslides. We are doing our utmost to prevent any harm to the residents and their property.”
• Currently, local authorities are mobilizing all available resources to prevent additional damage and prioritize the safety of the residents.
Andong City and its neighboring areas are undergoing recovery operations, and various measures are being implemented to minimize the damage. Residents are following the authorities’ guidance for evacuation, and rescue operations are ongoing.
