'Heavy Rain in 80 Years' Halts Seoul Public Bicycle 'Ddarungi' Service

Until the End of Seoul City's Level 3 Emergency Duty

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Facilities Corporation announced on the 9th that it will suspend the operation of Seoul's public bicycle service 'Ddareungi' until the emergency level 3 in Seoul is lifted, following the issuance of a heavy rain warning across Seoul from 10 PM on the 8th and the occurrence of record-breaking heavy rainfall.

Director Lee Hang-yeong stated, "Although the suspension of Ddareungi operations is expected to cause inconvenience to users, we ask for the understanding and cooperation of citizens, considering that this measure is implemented to protect the safety of users during this disaster situation."

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 7 AM on the 9th, very heavy rain is falling at a rate of 30 to 50 mm per hour, mainly in the central region. Areas under strong rain clouds are experiencing very heavy rain of 50 to 100 mm per hour, so caution is advised for traffic safety during the morning commute. In the metropolitan area, about 40 mm per hour of rain is falling in southern Gyeonggi areas such as Yangpyeong, Anseong, and Pyeongtaek, and in central and southern Gangwon Province, rain accompanied by gusts, thunder, and lightning is falling at 30 to 50 mm per hour. In Dangjin, Chungnam Province, rain is falling at about 10 to 40 mm per hour.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts 100 to 200 mm of rain, with some areas receiving over 300 mm, in the metropolitan area, inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, northern Chungcheong, and northwestern inland Gyeongbuk until the 10th. The east coast of Gangwon, the Chungcheong region (excluding the northern part), northern Gyeongbuk (excluding northwestern inland), and the five western islands are expected to receive 50 to 150 mm of rain, while northern Jeonbuk, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo will see about 20 to 80 mm. From the 10th, southern Gyeongbuk is expected to receive 20 to 80 mm, and southern Jeonbuk and northern Jeonnam about 5 to 30 mm of rain.

Currently, as rain clouds develop over the West Sea and move into the metropolitan area, heavy rain is expected in northern Gyeonggi in the morning. The rain cloud band is narrow north to south and long east to west, moving up and down north to south, causing heavy rainfall.

The Korea Meteorological Administration urged, "Since the 8th, very heavy rain of about 100 to 300 mm has fallen, weakening the ground and raising water levels in many areas. Due to additional rain in the metropolitan area and Gangwon Province, there is concern about rain damage, so please refrain from approaching dangerous areas and pay special attention to safety."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.