Floods in Seoul take lives, paralyzes the city – another instance of climate crisis

Torrential rainfall led to floods and landslides as Seoul witnessed death of at least nine persons. Forecasters cautioned about more rain to come. Three died when they were trapped in a flooded semi-basement. Many others suffered injuries and whereabouts of at least seven more are not known. Record rainfall kills at least 9 in Seoul as water floods buildings, submerges cars. The authorities have evacuated hundreds of people and made available aid in the form of tents, blankets and other essentials. They have also launched cleanup and rescue operations. This is because of damages to houses, shops, retaining walls and other pieces of infrastructure.

The rainfall recorded was the highest since authorities began keeping records in 1907. Photos in social media showed people wading across roads up to their thighs in water. In parts of Seoul, there was blockage of drains. These led to travel problems in the streets and subway stations. The Seoul Metro suspended services in some portions because of the floods. Damages included crumbling of parts of pavement apart from damaged vehicles that were swept up by floodwater. Loss of power left many without power in some areas south of the Han River. Yoon Suk Yeol, president of South Korea sent condolences to the victims. He also assured about conducting an on-site inspection and work to prevent additional damage. He realized the need to review the disaster management system. This is necessary in view of increasing instances of climate crisis. Countries in East Asia are experiencing more intense rainfall. The summer monsoons could grow stronger and more unpredictable due to global warming. This is according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Parts of Japan also faced similar situation as parts of Hokkaido reporting floods with possibilities of flash floods and landslides.

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Group of 8000 Chinese tourists to come to Seoul for a £35,000 ginseng chicken soup party

A group of Chinese holidaymakers are set to create history when the group made up of 8,000 people from the same company in China will arrive in Seoul for tasting the famous traditional chicken ginseng soup - the soup will be transported to the site using 10 trucks weighing 2.5 tons each.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 4 May 2016.

The group consists of employees of Chinese healthcare company Zhongmai Group and they are expected to remain in Seoul from May 5 to May 9 and the planned activities will be held between May 6 and May 10 before the visitors return to China in groups.
The Seoul government will be setting up 400 tables in Banpo Hangang Park, by the Han River, so that the group can try samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup. Since no fire is allowed at the park, the soup will be prepared in advance and transported in vacuum packs. The total cost of the 'chicken soup party' will be 60 million Won (£35,813) and it will be split between the chicken soup provider, Seoul government and Zhongmai Group.
The itinerary of the group is to enjoy a live performance of the soundtrack from Korean TV series Descendants of the Sun - it is extremely popular in China and is a regular trending topic on the country's main social media site Weibo. Other activities include visiting Dongdaemun Market, Gyeongbok Palace, Namsan Hanok Village and Myeongdong and spend time in Everland, Imjingak and Peace Park.
The trip is not only an incentive break for the employees but, the local government wants to take this opportunity to to promote samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) abroad. South Korea is already selling this traditional dish to the USA to help people combat summer heat.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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South Korea develops a new bomb - the pizza bomb

This is the latest in bombs and it explodes on your table!! It is a creation of South Korea and has taken the world by storm and can be categorized in the category of "things you're very likely to burn your tongue on". Named as the "bomb pizza", it is a bubble of dough that is crammed with sauce, cheese and various toppings. It is being served at The Place in Seoul.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 3 May 2016.

The pizza is cooked right on your table. Once ordered, it comes as a giant ball - which can be pink or black and is brushed with alcohol and set alight. The ingredients are cooked at the diners' table. In order to avoid any melted cheese catastrophes, the waiter will use scissors to cut the top of the bubble and reveal the pizza within.
Obviously, innovations are what draws the customers and, such innovations will certainly pay rich dividends. Like the pizza box pizza created by a pizza outlet in Brooklyn - this New York pizzeria has done way with the cardboard container for a box and has made it entirely of pizza.


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