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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Rs 30-crore plan to beautify Howrah Station Complex

A beautification project is on the cards for the Howrah Station complex which is the entry point to Kolkata for those arriving by train. It would be a Rs 30-crore project and will be taken up by the state transport department along with Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). The plan is to convert the Howrah station complex into a Comprehensive Development Zone.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated4 July 2016.

The Howrah Station complex lies in a total mess. The frontage of the Ganges River is blocked from view with a string of dilapidated buildings and, while the hawker menace has abated a bit, the subway continues to remain occupied during the morning and evening rush hours.
The roads in front of the new and old station complex are in bad condition - they are broken and potholed. The parking lot stands on a fallow land with a huge crater right at the point of entry. There had been plans to develop it into a park with a cafeteria complete with a bust of Tagore. That has not yet materialized.
Moreover, the Howrah bus stand for long distance buses has broken platforms and rundown sheds and needs to be repaired and renovated. Additionally, the stand is overrun with hawkers who make it difficult for commuters to board the buses. Plans to renovate and develop the Howrah bus stand is a part of this project.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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