Torrential rains in Seoul prompt rare river flood warning

Torrential rains continuously pounded South Korea on Thursday, prompting authorities to close parts of highways and issue a rare flood alert near a key river bridge in Seoul.

The state-run Han River Flood Control Office said its flood alert issued in the area near one of its bridges on the river is the first such measures since 2011.

The area near the Han River Bridge is the only place in Seoul where officials issued a flood warning on the river.

Agency officials said parts of highways along the river have been closed and that many riverside public parks have been flooded.

The rainfall stopped near that Han River bridge as of Thursday afternoon but the flood alert remains effective, according to the agency.

Much of South Korea has been hit by days of heavy rains since Saturday.

The rainfall caused landslides and floods, leaving 16 people dead and 11 others missing, the Interior Ministry said in a report.