**Landslide in South Korea Kills One Amid Record Rainfall**
In a tragic incident on Monday morning, a landslide triggered by torrential rains in South Korea's Gyeongsang province has resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. The landslide struck the first floor of an apartment building located in Geoje, a city in the southeastern part of the country. Emergency responders were able to rescue three people from the debris, but one was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The severe weather conditions leading to the landslide have been attributed to record rainfall, with Geoje experiencing an unprecedented 124.5mm of rain within a single hour. This amount marks the highest recorded rainfall for the city since meteorological records began in 1972. Over the course of Sunday night into Monday, Geoje received more than 400mm of rain, contributing to widespread flooding and hazardous conditions.
As the heavy rains continued, city officials took precautionary measures, announcing the closure of several tourist attractions and suspending bus operations and household waste collection due to flooded and damaged roads. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid driving and to stay away from riverbanks, recommending that individuals evacuate to safer areas if necessary.
The extreme weather in South Korea is part of a broader pattern affecting East and Southeast Asia, where multiple storms have caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage. This year's typhoon season is anticipated to be particularly intense, influenced by a strong El Niño phenomenon that began in June. El Niño is known to increase global temperatures and enhance the strength of typhoons, contributing to the severe weather patterns observed in the region.
In Japan, similar weather conditions have resulted in catastrophic outcomes. Last week, Chiba prefecture, located near Tokyo, experienced "unprecedented" rainfall, leading to the deaths of ten individuals and stranding thousands at Narita Airport. The torrential downpours also caused power outages affecting more than 20,000 households. Among the fatalities reported in Japan was a man in his 30s who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after using a generator during the power failure.
As the situation continues to develop, local authorities in South Korea and neighboring countries are closely monitoring weather patterns and providing updates to ensure public safety. The impact of these storms serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of weather events linked to climate change and global phenomena such as El Niño.