(Sept Theme) Extreme Weather

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(Sept Theme) Extreme Weather
by Seoyoon Min \| 04-09-2022 23:11 0
Heavy Downpour in Korea There was an extreme flooding in South Korea just a few weeks ago in mid-August, with the heaviest rain in Seoul in 115 years. The downpour flooded the streets and houses, killing 9 people. Between the three days of downpour total of 525 mm was recorded in Seoul. It was more than a month’s worth of rainfall. One of the most affected areas of Seoul was Gangnam, which is known for the famous song "Gangnam Style". The neighborhood near Gangnam subway station is about 10 meters lower in altitude than surrounding area, causing the area to flood very quickly. The flooding was over the volume the drainage system could handle, which is 90 to 95 mm of rain per hour. We can expect to see continued extreme flooding in the future as average temperatures across the Korean peninsula have increased by nearly 2 degrees Celsius over the past century, which is faster than the global average. The warmer air is able to hold more moisture and therefore there will be more frequent and intense rainfall situations. Korea’s precipitation has increased and its average annual amount could rise by 172.5 mm by the end of the century, if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed. Many roads in Seoul do not have the drainage system to efficiently and timely remove water runoff of heavy rainfall. The establishment of proper drainage system is much needed. Accordingly, the city announced that it will spend $1.15 billion in the next decade to build six massive underground tunnels to store and release rainwater to prevent flooding. <Reference> After deluge, climate change fears make S.Korea prioritise Seoul flood defences \| Reuters Korea urged to take preemptive steps to deal with climate change-induced disasters (koreatimes.co.kr) South Korea is dealing with the worst flooding in 80 years : NPR Heavy rains flood South Korea's capital Seoul, killing at least 8 - The Washington Post

Dormant user Seoyoon Min

4 Comments

Junghyun Mentor Yoon says :
Hi, Seoyoon Min!
This is your mentor, Yoon.

I am very sorry to hear about the heavy downpour in Korea.

I appreciate how you provided quantified data to explain the severity of the disaster.

The report would be better if you gave the numerical data on temperature rise in the oceans surrounding Korea.

Great work in writing your first monthly report! I am very impressed with how you did well in describing the extreme weather that occurred in Korea in the article.

I am looking forward to reading your following report!
Posted 21-09-2022 21:41

Minkyung Mentor

Minkyung Mentor says :
Hello, this is your mentor Minkyung!

Thank you so much for introducing the recent climatic event that occurred in Korea. As I also live in Korea, I was very shocked at the heavy downpour and the damage it incurred.

I also think having an insufficient, poorly managed drainage system made the situation worse. Since we've learned a lesson, officials should provide the necessary safety measures and ask individuals for support.

To add, I can see that you put a hyperlink in each reference, and it makes it so much easier for me and the readers to read the articles you referred to!

Thank you for your report, and keep up the work!
Posted 19-09-2022 11:04

Anghy Aquino

Anghy Aquino says :
Hello Seoyoon,

All of the devastation caused by extreme weather in several countries is extremely concerning: deaths of people and animals, homeless people, massive economic losses, and so on.

As you mentioned in your article, countries will require large sums of money to implement climate change adaptation measures, which are absolutely necessary to avoid future losses. Nevertheless, they should not only invest in adaptation projects, but also in climate change mitigation projects. Both adaptation and mitigation are of paramount importance to tackling this problem.

I hope you are well and safe.

Thank you very much for your article, Seoyoon.

Best regards,
Anghy Aquino
Posted 14-09-2022 13:23