"Why Flooding During a Heatwave?" Incheon 'Road Flooding' Without a Drop of Rain

Sea Water Backflow Due to Overlapping of Spring Tide Period and High Tide
Human and Vehicle Flooding, Property Damage Unconfirmed

Amidst a nationwide deadly heatwave, unexpected flooding damage occurred in Incheon, where not a single drop of rain had fallen.

According to the Incheon Fire Headquarters, at around 6:06 a.m. on the 3rd, a report was received by 119 that a road near the Yeokmuseon Pier in Hang-dong 7-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, was submerged in water. Responding to the report, the fire authorities dispatched 8 firefighters and 2 pieces of equipment and completed the drainage operation by 6:51 a.m., 45 minutes later.

At around 6:06 AM on the 3rd, a road near Yeokmuseon Pier in Hang-dong 7-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon was flooded, prompting the fire department to carry out drainage operations.
[Image provided by Incheon Fire Headquarters]

The fire authorities identified that the seawater had backflowed through the drainage system due to the coinciding of the spring tide period and the highest sea level at dawn.

The spring tide period is when the tidal range is at its maximum around the lunar full moon and new moon. During this time, the difference between high and low tides is greater than usual, causing faster water flow and significantly higher sea levels, which can lead to flooding damage caused by seawater overflow.

As a result, the entrance to the Sorae Port Fish Market auction hall in Namdong-gu, located along the coast, was partially submerged by seawater that day. Fortunately, there were no casualties or property damage such as vehicle flooding.

Earlier, the Incheon Coast Guard had issued a 'caution' under the safety accident risk forecast system from the day before until the 6th in preparation for the spring tide period.

The Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries warned that the sea level during the spring tide this month and next month will be the highest this year and urged preparation for flooding damage. The sea level in Incheon during this spring tide is expected to rise up to 975 cm.

An official from the Incheon Coast Guard said, "The tidal range on the west coast is large and the water flows in quickly, making it more dangerous," adding, "People should wear life jackets and check the tide times before going out to sea and exercise caution."

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