The state auditor launched Monday emergency safety checks on dozens of major construction sites in Seoul as part of efforts to prevent accidents from flooding amid the prolonged rainy season.

The move came after seven workers were killed last week after the swollen Hangang River, which flows through the center of the capital city, swamped their underground waterworks construction site. Torrential monsoon rains have pounded the city and adjacent areas in recent days.

The Board of Audit and Inspection began its checks on a total of 53 large-scale construction sites carried out by the Seoul Metropolitan Government such as facilities for the subway line No. 9 and the light rail system.

“Some 10 audit agency officials will see if those infrastructure-building projects are being carried out in accordance with safety regulations and if there are any chances of accidents due to the recent heavy precipitation,” a BAI official said.

“In case dangerous factors are spotted, we will immediately ask operators to correct them,” he added. (Yonhap News)