South Korea landslides, floods kill 25, thousands evacuated

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SEOUL:Some 25 people have died, 10 still missing and thousands were evacuated in South Korea as of Saturday, Yonhap news agency said citing various regional governments, as torrential rains caused landslides and the overflow of a dam.

According to the official sources 1,567 people had been evacuated nationwide, as water over topped the dam in North Chungcheong province on Saturday morning.

Local governments’ evacuation orders covered more than 7,000 people at various times, according to provincial authorities.

The tally may rise as more heavy rain is expected on the Korean peninsula on Sunday, the Korea Meteorological Administration fore casted. Korea Railroad Corp said it was halting all slow trains and some bullet trains, while other bullet trains might be delayed due to slower operation, as landslides, track flooding and falling rocks threatened safety.

In a meeting with govt agencies on Saturday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged the military to actively join in rescue activities, working with government officials to mobilise equipment and manpower.