South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has criticized authorities for their failure to follow disaster response protocols, as the death toll from several days of heavy rain rises to 39. Among the victims are 12 people who were found dead in a submerged underpass. The central and southern regions of the country have been pounded by rain since Thursday, as the rainy season that began in late June reaches its peak. So far, nine people remain missing and 34 others have been injured across the nation.

A tragic incident occurred in the central city of Cheongju, where a flash flood overwhelmed a tunnel and submerged 16 vehicles, including a bus. Twelve deaths have been confirmed, and three more bodies were found overnight. Nine people were also injured in the incident. This has prompted questions regarding the government’s ability to prevent and respond to flood damage. Some drivers who regularly use the road have voiced their frustrations, blaming the government for not closing the underpass despite widespread flood warnings.

South Korea has witnessed a growing number of deaths during recent rainy seasons, as extreme weather patterns have become more frequent. In response to these challenges, the government pledged last year to take action in order to better cope with climate change-related disasters. This came after the heaviest rainfall in 115 years hit Seoul, resulting in at least 14 deaths and severe flooding in various areas, including the popular Gangnam district.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who recently returned from an overseas trip, immediately called for a meeting on disaster response. During the meeting, he highlighted the poor management of vulnerable areas as exacerbating the situation. Yoon emphasized the importance of access control and preemptive evacuation in order to ensure public safety. He urged authorities to make every effort in rescuing victims and pledged support for recovery efforts and affected families, including declaring flood-hit areas as special disaster zones.

In conclusion, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has criticized authorities for their failure to adhere to disaster response protocols, following the death of 39 people during days of torrential rain. As the country struggles to cope with extreme weather patterns, the government’s response to flood damage has come under scrutiny. President Yoon has called for improved management of vulnerable areas and emphasized the need for access control and preemptive evacuation to ensure public safety. The government has promised to support recovery work and affected families, including designating flood-hit areas as special disaster zones.