Heavy rains kill 22, leave 14 missing

Torrential rains in Korea killed at least 22 and left 14 missing as of 6 p.m. Saturday, the government said. Casualties mostly came from the central and southern regions of the country, and the numbers could grow.

Rescue is underway at the underpass in Osong-eup, North Chungcheong, as 17 people are believed to be trapped. Nine people have been rescued, while one died. [YONHAP]

Torrential rains in Korea killed at least 22 and left 14 missing as of 6 p.m. Saturday, the government said.

Casualties mostly came from the central and southern regions of the country, and the numbers could grow.

The death toll includes four people killed in landslides caused by heavy downpours Saturday, two in Nonsan, South Chungcheong, and two in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang.

North Gyeongsang alone estimates 13 have been killed and 12 are missing in the province.

In Osong-eup, North Chungcheong, 19 vehicles were trapped in an underpass after the nearby Miho River flooded.

Nine were rescued, but one did not survive.

The emergency officials are trying to rescue 17 people believed to be trapped in the underpass. However, strong currents caused by the opening of the dams in the region and the continuing rains are reportedly making the rescue operation difficult.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]