Typhoon Overhype? Zero Casualties Reported!

Gyeongnam Province, All-Out Effort to Prepare for Typhoon Hinnamnor

Typhoon Hinnamnor's path as of 10 a.m. on the 6th. [Image source=Korea Meteorological Administration Weather Nuri]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Typhoon Hin Namno, which resembled the path of Typhoon Maemi and was said to be stronger than Typhoon Rusa, passed through Gyeongnam in the early morning of the 6th.

Gyeongnam Province, following the directive of Governor Park Wan-su that "above all, there must be no casualties," urgently evacuated residents from flood-prone areas, distributed sandbags to residents through local governments, and took measures to shelter vessels.

They inspected habitual flood zones and controlled general roads and sea bridges such as Machang Bridge and Geoga Bridge, as well as shipping routes, and suspended passenger ferry operations.

In Changwon City, some city buses were rerouted, and bus operations on flood-risk roads such as coastal roads were suspended.

Residents prepared for the typhoon by following disaster preparedness guidelines encouraged by local governments, stacking sandbags at doorsteps and inside car hoods, taping windows, and sealing window gaps with paper, among other measures.

Firefighters removing a tree fallen due to strong winds. [Image source=Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters]

From the night of the 5th to the morning of the 6th, when the typhoon directly affected the area, public officials, firefighters, police, and coast guard personnel worked overnight on emergency duty to manage retaining wall collapses and building floods.

According to the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters on the 6th, as of 7 a.m., there were 237 firefighting activities, including 199 safety measures and 38 drainage and water supply supports, but no casualties occurred.

Some residents, watching the dark clouds clear on the morning of the 6th, breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It passed more quietly than expected; I wonder if we overreacted."

Other residents said, "Even if it means making a fuss, natural disasters must be announced and prepared for to minimize damage," and "We felt reassured because we had been steadily informed and prepared for a week."

A Gyeongnam Province official said, "Although there was damage such as retaining wall collapses and fallen trees and utility poles due to this typhoon, we are grateful that not a single life was lost," adding, "This is thanks to the residents who worked hard with the province to prepare for the typhoon, and support will be provided to affected residents according to laws and principles."

He continued, "As of 11 a.m. on the 6th, all typhoon warnings in the province have been lifted, but strong wind advisories remain in some areas, so we will not let our guard down until the typhoon completely leaves Gyeongnam."

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