Ministry of Environment Holds Joint Emergency Meeting with Related Agencies to Respond to Typhoon 'Bavi'..."Emergency System Activated"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Environment held an emergency inspection meeting on the morning of the 23rd at the Seoul Hangang Flood Control Office to prepare for the northward approach of Typhoon No. 8, 'Bavi.'

The meeting was attended by related affiliated and subordinate organizations, including four basin flood control offices, Korea Water Resources Corporation, the Korea Meteorological Administration, and basin regional environmental offices, which are flood response agencies, to review the typhoon situation and response measures.

Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae stated, "Although the typhoon's path is fluid, meteorological forecasts predict it will be a very strong typhoon," adding, "Thorough preparations such as pre-inspection of hazardous facilities are necessary."

He continued, "Each agency should concentrate all capabilities to prevent additional damage caused by the typhoon and activate the emergency response system."

The Ministry of Environment's main measures in response to the northward approach of Typhoon Bavi are as follows.

First, the water level changes of 65 major river points nationwide will be predicted, and flood warnings will be issued to related agencies and residents to enable prompt evacuation. A cautionary warning will be issued when the expected flood volume exceeds 50% of the planned flood discharge, and an alert will be issued when it exceeds 70%.

Additionally, flood risk information for vulnerable points such as parks and parking lots within rivers will be provided via text messages and the Flood Alert application. The Flood Alert app can be downloaded from smartphone app stores.

The Ministry of Environment has secured 3.87 billion tons of flood control capacity in 20 multipurpose dams and is flexibly adjusting the reservoir levels according to rainfall conditions.

In the Hangang basin, related agencies such as the Flood Control Office, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power are preparing for floods through joint emergency duty systems and close coordinated operations between multipurpose dams and power generation dams.

As the typhoon is expected to affect North Korean territory, thorough flood response is also being ensured for inter-Korean shared rivers located in border areas such as the Imjin River. Information is shared with related agencies including the Ministry of National Defense and Yeoncheon County, and a constant monitoring system is operated.

The Ministry of Environment is also preparing safety inspection measures for national park trails, water supply and sewage systems, and waste treatment facilities. Upon the typhoon's approach, emergency duty will be conducted to monitor damage situations 24 hours a day and take urgent measures, maintaining an emergency contact system with local governments.

An official from the Ministry of Environment stated, "Since many environmental facilities suffered damage due to recent heavy rains during the monsoon season, we are preparing for the typhoon through thorough pre-inspections with local governments to minimize additional damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.