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South Korea floods trigger landslides and leave at least 14 dead

South Korea floods trigger landslides and leave at least 14 dead

BBC News20-07-2025
At least 14 people have died in floods and landslides caused by days of torrential rain in South Korea, the country's disaster management office has said.There are fears the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue, with 12 people reported missing.Nearly 10,000 people have evacuated their homes since the downpour began on Wednesday while more than 41,000 households have temporarily lost power, according to local media.The rain has now largely subsided in the worst-hit southern and central areas, but more downpours are expected in the capital Seoul and northern regions.
Thousands of roads and buildings have been damaged and submerged by raging floodwaters, with reports of damage to farmland and widespread death of livestock.Much of the destruction has been in the country's south, with six people killed and seven missing in Sancheong county.Casualties have also occurred in a northern mountainous region near Seoul, as well as other western and northern areas.Serious landslide warnings have been issued in several regions nationwide, while the government launched a multi-agency recovery effort on Sunday.
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Beijing floods: 30 killed as China sees summer of extreme weather
Beijing floods: 30 killed as China sees summer of extreme weather

BBC News

time6 hours ago

  • BBC News

Beijing floods: 30 killed as China sees summer of extreme weather

At least 30 people have died in Beijing and more than 80,000 were evacuated to safety, Chinese authorities said, as heavy rains and floods ravage roads and houses in northern other people died after a landslide on Monday in Chengde city, about three hours northeast of is dealing with a summer of extreme weather. Record heatwaves hit the country's eastern region earlier this month while floods swept the country's the backdrop of the massive floods in northern China, President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out" rescue efforts and told authorities to prepare for "worst-case and extreme scenarios". "No effort should be spared to search for and rescue those missing or trapped, to transfer and resettle residents in affected areas, and to reduce casualties to the greatest extent possible," the president said on authorities have allocated 200 million yuan ($28m; £21m) for recovery efforts, including repairing transportation and other outskirts of Beijing, including the suburban districts of Miyun and Huairou, were hit hardest by the torrential floods have damaged dozens of roads and disrupted power to more than 130 villages. Videos show rescuers wading in chest-deep floodwaters to reach stranded residents, as well as helicopters and drones ferrying food and other aid to the disaster zone. Ms Yang, who works in Hebei province, told BBC Chinese that she was very worried about her family, who live in Miyun district - one of the areas hit hardest by the Sunday she had not been able to contact her parents and grandfather, who all suffer from health problems and have limited mobility. Her family had also been taking care of her pets: eight cats and three village is small and remote, with just around 10 households, she said, adding that she feared rescuers might miss it altogether. Out of desperation, she took to social media to appeal for rescue, hoping they would be found from flood-hit areas recalled how quickly the disaster unfolded. "The flood came rushing in, just like that, so fast and suddenly," Zhuang Zhelin, a shop-owner in Taishitun town, near Beijing, told the Associated Press. "In no time at all, the place was filling up."Zhuang's neighbour told the Associated Press that when the floods came he "just ran upstairs and waited for rescue"."I remember thinking, if no one came to get us, we'd be in real trouble," he is no stranger to flooding, particularly at this time of year. One of the deadliest in recent memory occurred in July 2012, when 190mm of rain drenched the city in a day, killing 79 summer, floods have wreaked havoc across swathes of people were killed and 10 people went missing in Shandong province earlier this month when Typhoon Wipha struck eastern China. Two weeks earlier, a landslide killed three people in Ya'an city, southwestern weather, which experts link to climate change, has increasingly threatened China's residents and economy - especially its trillion-dollar agriculture disasters in the first half of the year have cost China 54.11 billion yuan ($7.5bn; £5.7bn), its emergency management ministry said earlier this month. Flooding accounted for more than 90% of the losses, the ministry noted.

Thunderstorm warnings spread to ALL of UK as Met Office says floods are a threat until Monday - while millions still face hosepipe ban
Thunderstorm warnings spread to ALL of UK as Met Office says floods are a threat until Monday - while millions still face hosepipe ban

Daily Mail​

time6 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Thunderstorm warnings spread to ALL of UK as Met Office says floods are a threat until Monday - while millions still face hosepipe ban

Thunderstorm warnings have spread to the entirety of the UK, with the Met Office declaring that floods will remain a threat for the country until Monday. Intense thunderstorms and torrential rain could cause flooding and even pose a danger to life in some areas, while there is also a risk of power cuts and a loss of services to homes and businesses due to damaged caused by floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for the south west of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, alongside in large parts of northern, eastern and southern England, and will remain in place until 9pm on Sunday. Millions of people across major towns and cities are set to be impacted by intense bouts of rainfall, including those in London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chelmsford, St Albans and Cambridge. Some areas could see up to 75mm of rain in just a few hours, with heavy showers expected to continue until Wednesday. It follows an amber weather warning issued from 4am to 11am across London and the south East this morning amid fears that up to 4in (100mm) of rainfall could fall within hours - equivalent to more than a month's worth of rain. It marked the first amber warning issued for the capital in 18 months after Storm Henk battered England and Wales with strong winds in January 2024. Today's weather warnings follow the second major hosepipe ban coming into force yesterday, with restrictions activated by South East Water for 1.4million people across Kent and Sussex in Ashford, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Haywards Heath and Tunbridge Wells. One Londoner is seen taking extra precautions with both an umbrella and poncho in London on July 19 Then from Tuesday, Thames Water will bring in a ban for customers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire - but not London. But meteorologists fear that the heavy rain will not make a major difference to the ground because surfaces are extremely dry and will therefore not absorb much water. Meanwhile, forecasters have warned that it could cause 'fast flowing or deep floodwater, causing a danger to life'. 'Torrential rain, with thunderstorms in places, could lead to some significant surface water flooding during Saturday morning,' the Met Office said. An ongoing deluge may also cause 'significant impacts' if it hits 'more urban areas'. Homes and businesses are likely to be battered by floods, and that flooding could happen quickly, with some communities at risk of being cut off if roads flood. Up to 27 flood alerts have been imposed across England by The Environment Agency. The Met Office added that the amber thunderstorm alert area 'includes London which is particularly susceptible to surface water issues during thunderstorms due to the high proportion of impermeable surfaces'. Forecasters said that within this area, 20 to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour, with up to 70mm to 100mm accumulating in just a few hours, adding: 'If these higher totals fall over urban areas, there could be notable impacts.' The persistent cloud and rain means that temperatures across the UK are expected to be relatively low, remaining mainly in the high teens to low 20s, though brighter spells in the south could potentially reach the mid to high 20s. The AA has urged drivers to prepare for disruption and take care on the roads, with the breakdown service stating that 'this amount of rain is well over a month's worth for a normal July' Homes and businesses are likely to be battered by floods, and that flooding could happen quickly, with some communities at risk of being cut off if roads flood With the storms set to cause 'disruption', the Met Office added: 'Areas of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms will move north-westwards across a large swathe of central and eastern England through Friday night into Saturday. 'Rain will likely be torrential in places, bringing 20-30mm in less than an hour, with 60-90 mm in two to three hours possible in a few places.' Frequent lightning and localised surface water flooding are also possible. In Scotland, a yellow rain warning covers the eastern side from Aberdeen to the borders from 4pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday. 16 flood alerts have also been issued for most of the country by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. There is also a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life for parts of the country including Cornwall and south-west Wales, central and east England. Chief Met Office meteorologist Andy Page warned that 'intense rainfall' is set to hit the UK, adding that the weekend is also 'expected to be busy on the roads' as more schools in England and Wales finish for the summer holidays. He said: 'A range of severe weather warnings have been issued, including an Amber warning covering southeast England and London. The intense rainfall could lead to surface water flooding as well as frequent lightning and hail too. 'The situation is evolving, and warnings may be changed or added. This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it's important people keep up-to-date with the very latest forecast. 'There will be spells of more pleasant weather in parts of the UK through the weekend, with some sunny spells in between systems as they move through.' In the south west of England, some areas could see up to 50mm of rain in just a few hours, and up to 75mm for some areas. In central and east England up to 30mm of rain could fall in less than an hour and scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms may develop across Saturday afternoon. In Northern Ireland, from Derry down to Tyrone, scattered showers will turn heavier with the chance of a few thunderstorms and up to 20mm of rain in an hour in some places. Showers are expected to ease towards the evening. Scotland will see areas of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms arriving from the south during Saturday afternoon. The AA has urged drivers to prepare for disruption and take care on the roads, with the breakdown service stating that 'this amount of rain is well over a month's worth for a normal July'. They added: 'As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely. 'These storms could affect some of the popular holiday routes for early departures on this year's summer getaway. 'While localised flash flooding and the sudden appearance of surface water are the usual dangers associated with summer heavy rain, the potential for slippery road surfaces at junctions and roundabouts is a hidden menace.' National Rail also advised passengers to check the service before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys, with speed restrictions possible in affected areas. Downpours in London on July 17 as a person sits across the Thames from the London Eye They added that 'heavy rainfall can cause flooding that may result in tracks being underwater and embankments being damaged, which can lead to potential landslips'. Flooding can also impact points and signalling equipment, causing further delays. At Lord's Cricket Ground in London, the pitch has flooded, causing delays to the Women's One Day International England v India match. Taking to X to share the news of the delay, they said that the cut off time for the match will be 4.08pm, adding: 'Hopefully once weather improves, umpires will carry out pitch inspections throughout the day. We will endeavour to keep fans updated.' The weather is expected to remain unsettled on Sunday with showers or longer spells of rain, some of it heavy and thundery. But, certain parts of the UK are set to experience bouts of warm weather and brighter, drier spells throughout the weekend, particularly in the East and South East of England. Alex Burkill, meteorologist at the Met Office, warned that the high temperatures could become 'quite uncomfortable' in some parts of the country. He said: 'In the south and east, there is further chance of staying dry and some decent sunshine on offer. 'So there's a lot of heat around, high humidity as well, quite uncomfortable for some of us. 'As we go into the weekend, with the heat and the humidity, there's a fairly strong chance that we are going to see some heavy, thundery rain, feeding up from the south. Sunday, July 20, rainfall forecast across the UK That is likely to become pretty widespread across much of the country as we go through Saturday and into Sunday.' Unsettled conditions are forecast to last until next week before showers ease by Wednesday. Temperatures will be warm depending on the sunshine and conditions may settle by mid-week with showers still in the east. On July 11, South East Water announced its hosepipe ban as the ongoing dry weather and hot temperatures across England have resulted in record-breaking water demand. The firm said the ban means customers in Kent and Sussex will not be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens and washing cars, windows and patios, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Enforced from yesterday and until further notice, those who ignore the ban face fines of up to £1,000. But there was disbelief from some residents, including one who tweeted: 'Since I heard of a hosepipe ban in Kent a few days ago, I have passed no less than three underground pipes that appear to have broken, and water has been coming out, on main roads.' Another tweeted: 'Water leak on Batts Bridge Road, Uckfield. Water leak in London Road, Burgess Hill. And yet we are subject to a hosepipe ban. What a shambles.' In response, South East Water wrote: 'We understand it's frustrating to see leaks when there's a hosepipe ban. We're seeing record demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex.' Rosie Duffield, the independent MP for Canterbury in Kent, said at the time of South East Water's announcement last week that a hosepipe ban had been 'inevitable' after supply issues had already impacted some areas. Monday's rainfall forecast across the UK People walk over the dry grass at Greenwich Park in South East London on Tuesday Clouds over Lincoln Cathedral on July 18 as thunderstorms are set to batter the UK this weekend Ernwood reservoir in Buxton pictured with very low water levels on July 16 She added: 'Alongside many residents, I am angry as to why this was not called earlier to help prevent the unacceptable shortages and disruption suffered by many in our area.' South East Water said in a statement last week: 'Demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex has reached record levels since May – with the ongoing warm and dry weather, we're all using far more water than usual. 'This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover. 'We also continue to monitor the situation in our Western region, where we serve customers in parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.' Under the ban, customers will only be allowed to use a hosepipe when it is required for unavoidable health or safety reasons, for the welfare of animals – including fish – and if the hosepipe is not connected to mains water supply, according to the water company. It comes after all four UK nations experienced their warmest spring on record this year, with England experiencing its driest spring since 1893 and the driest start to the year since 1976. June also marked England's warmest on record, with average temperatures hitting a balmy 16.9°C - the highest recorded since the series began in 1884. Last month was also the second warmest on record for the UK, which saw an average temperature of 15.2°C. It comes after all four UK nations experienced their warmest spring on record this year, with England experiencing its driest spring since 1893 and the driest start to the year since 1976 Pictured: visitors and locals flocked to a packed Bournemouth Beach on July 13, 2025 June also marked England's warmest on record, with average temperatures hitting a balmy 16.9°C - the highest recorded since the series began in 1884. Pictured: a man jumps off a pier in Sandycove, Ireland, on July 13, 2025 Rainfall across England was also 20 per cent less than the long-term average for June, which was also the hottest on record for the country, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water, the Environment Agency has said. Pictured: Bournemouth on July 13, 2025 Read More Heatwave ends as heavy and thundery downpours bring cooler temperatures Across June, two heatwaves were confirmed across England and Wales - one in the third week of the month, and the second closing out the month. Rainfall across England was also 20 per cent less than the long-term average for June, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water, the Environment Agency has said. Drought was declared in East and West Midlands on Tuesday, with the region joining swathes of northern England in drought status. Looking ahead, the UK is likely to see more frequent and intense heatwaves, according to the Met Office. Just last month, the Met Office's research showed that the chances of hitting 40°C are climbing at pace.

Dozens dead after flooding and landslides near Beijing
Dozens dead after flooding and landslides near Beijing

BreakingNews.ie

time7 hours ago

  • BreakingNews.ie

Dozens dead after flooding and landslides near Beijing

Heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides that washed away cars, forced evacuations and knocked out power around the Chinese capital, killing at least 38 people. The flood risk for parts of Beijing, Hebei province and neighbouring Tianjin city remained high until Tuesday evening. Advertisement State media broadcast footage of muddy waters rising into homes in rural areas and rescuers carrying an injured person on a stretcher and searching on a damaged road. Premier Li Qiang said the heavy rain and flooding in the hard-hit Beijing district of Miyun caused 'serious casualties' and called for rescue efforts, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Soldiers talk to villagers on a road damaged by floods (Andy Wong/AP) The storm knocked out power in more than 130 villages in Beijing, destroyed communication lines and damaged more than 30 sections of road. More than 16cm (6in) of rain fell on average in Beijing by midnight, with two towns in Miyun recording 54cm (21in), the city said. Advertisement Heavy flooding washed away cars and downed power poles in Miyun, an outlying district that borders Hebei's Luanping county. More than 80,000 people have been relocated in Beijing, including about 17,000 in Miyun, a Beijing city statement said. The city government said 28 people died in Miyun and two others in Yanqing district on Monday. Four more people in neighbouring Hebei province were discovered dead on Tuesday, state broadcaster CCTV reported, after eight people were said to be missing after a landslide in a rural part of Luanping county in the province. Authorities had found four of the dead on Monday. Emergency rescue teams said more landslides occurred in the same region on Tuesday although they did not report any further casualties. Advertisement Uprooted trees lay in piles in the town of Taishitun, about 60 mile north east of central Beijing. Streets were covered with water, with mud left higher up on the walls of buildings.

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