The National Fire Agency said on the 17th that it issued a nationwide fire service mobilization order due to heavy downpours in Geoje and Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang.
According to the National Fire Agency, under the nationwide fire service mobilization order, a total of 387 personnel—including 361 from South Gyeongsang Fire Service and 26 support staff—and 84 pieces of equipment were deployed to Geoje and Tongyeong. In addition, the National 119 Rescue Headquarters deployed 47 personnel and 13 pieces of equipment.
So far, a total of 1,947 rain-related reports have been received in Geoje and Tongyeong. Fire authorities rescued 136 people through 20 life-saving operations.
By area, Geoje received 1,634 reports and rescued 126 people through nine rescue operations. Tongyeong received 313 reports and rescued 10 people through 11 rescue operations.
Casualties from the heavy rain to date total four, with one dead and three slightly injured. In Okpo-dong, Geoje, a landslide sent earth and sand over a residential facility, killing one person and injuring two. In Golliri, Tongyeong, one person sustained a minor injury in a landslide.
The National Fire Agency said it will continue drainage and recovery support and on-site safety measures to prepare for secondary damage from additional rain, landslides and flooding even after life-saving operations are completed.