Twenty-four people have died, 10 are missing and thousands evacuated in South Korea, as torrential rain for a third day triggered landslides and a dam overflowed, Yonhap news agency said, citing various regional governments.
By 11 a.m., 1,567 people had been evacuated across the country, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, as waters overflowed the dam in North Chungcheong Province on Saturday morning.
Evacuation orders issued by local governments have covered more than 7,000 people at various times, according to provincial authorities.
The Korea Meteorological Administration predicted a higher toll, with more torrential rain expected on the Korean Peninsula on Sunday.
The Korean Railways said it has suspended all slow trains and some express trains, while other express trains may be delayed due to slower operation, as landslides, track floods and rockfall threaten safety.
A slow train derailed late Friday when a landslide dumped sand and dirt on railways in North Chungcheong Province, the Transportation Ministry said. The engineer was injured, but there were no passengers on board.
In a meeting with government agencies on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo called on the military to join rescue activities, and to work with government officials to mobilize equipment and manpower.