"Evacuate if Even a Little Water Accumulates Underground" Flood Preparedness Guidelines Distributed

August Heavy Rain and Typhoon Hinnamnor Follow-up Measures
"Evacuate Immediately if Water Rises in Underground Spaces or Sewage Backflows"

On the 4th, when Typhoon Hinnamnor was moving northward toward the Korean Peninsula, a vehicle was passing along the flooded coastal road of Songaksan Mountain in Jeju Island. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has decided to supplement the national action guidelines for flood preparedness to prevent recurring casualties in underground spaces such as semi-basement houses, underground parking lots, underground stations, and underground shopping malls.

On the 13th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it had updated the 'National Action Guidelines for Flood Preparedness in Underground Spaces' and posted them on its website the day before.

This update to the national action guidelines is a follow-up measure in response to the damage caused by the concentrated heavy rains in the metropolitan area and Typhoon Hinnamnor (No. 11) in August.

First, when in underground spaces such as semi-basement houses, underground stations or shopping malls, and underground parking lots, immediate evacuation is required if water starts to accumulate even slightly on the floor or if water backs up from the drains.

Also, if the water level outside the door rises above knee height, it becomes impossible to open the front door alone. In such cases, after cutting off the electrical power, several people should work together to open the door and evacuate quickly.

In underground parking lots, if water begins to accumulate even slightly, people must leave their vehicles and evacuate immediately. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety recommends prohibiting moving vehicles outside once rainwater starts to flow into the parking lot.

When water begins to enter underground along the parking ramp, the water pressure makes it very difficult for vehicles to move back to the surface. Within 5 to 10 minutes, the water level can rise near the ceiling of the underground parking lot, so people inside must evacuate quickly.

In underground staircases, water reaching shin height makes it difficult for adults to climb up, so immediate evacuation is necessary as soon as water starts to enter the stairs. Sneakers are safest for evacuation, and if no suitable shoes are available, evacuating barefoot is better. Rubber boots are not appropriate as water can enter inside them.

When vehicles begin to be submerged due to heavy rain, they must be moved to a safe place before two-thirds of the tires are underwater. Once two-thirds of the tires are submerged, water starts to enter the vehicle’s engine compartment.

If the vehicle is submerged and the door cannot be opened due to external water pressure, remove the headrest from the driver’s seat and break the window using the metal rods at the bottom of the headrest to evacuate. If breaking the window is not possible, wait until the water level inside and outside the vehicle differs by less than 30 cm, then open the door and escape.

On the night of the 8th last month, a driver is evacuating after a vehicle was submerged on a road near Daechi Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Never enter flooded underpasses or bridges with rapid currents. If already inside, leave the vehicle and evacuate quickly. If trapped by the current, open the door on the opposite side of the flow and escape; if the door does not open, break the window and escape.

In apartment complexes, villas, and other multi-family housing, install flood barriers and keep sandbags and pumps ready in advance. When it rains, quickly install flood barriers and sandbags at entrances where water may enter, and designate personnel responsible for installing flood protection materials beforehand.

Also, if rainwater rushes into underground spaces, guide residents and users to evacuate, and strictly prohibit entry into underground parking lots to remove vehicles.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated, "Starting with these action guidelines, we plan to continuously disseminate more detailed and technical content tailored to specific situations."

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