Typhoon 'Nanmadol' Approaches North, Direct Impact Warning Issued... Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Raised to Level 2

Fishing boats evacuated at Seogwipo Port, Jeju due to Typhoon Nanmadol approaching northward (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the alert level from Stage 1 to Stage 2 as of noon on the 18th, following the issuance of a typhoon warning for the sea off Jeju Island due to the impact of Typhoon 'Nanmadol'. The typhoon and heavy rain crisis alert level was also upgraded from 'Caution' to 'Warning'.

As of 9 a.m. on the same day, Typhoon 'Nanmadol' was moving northwest at a speed of 24 km/h approximately 210 km south-southeast of Kagoshima, Japan. Its intensity is classified as 'Very Strong', with maximum wind speeds of 53 m/s and a central pressure of 935 hPa (hectopascal).

The typhoon is expected to pass about 130 km north-northwest of Kagoshima at 3 a.m. on the 19th and is forecasted to affect South Korea from early morning to afternoon on the 19th. Particularly, the coastal areas of the Gyeongsang region may experience heavy rainfall of 30 to 60 mm per hour, with some places receiving over 150 mm.

The CDSCH chief (Minister of the Interior and Safety) urged thorough preparations to prevent casualties caused by the typhoon and heavy rain. Continuous monitoring is being conducted in areas vulnerable to casualties such as semi-basements, low-lying areas, and landslide-prone zones, and residents are to be preemptively evacuated upon detection of abnormal signs to avoid any loss of life.

Additionally, if flooding risks are detected, guidance will be provided immediately to evacuate from low-lying houses, basements, underground parking lots, and other underground spaces. Furthermore, vulnerable areas such as previously damaged regions, steep slopes, riverbanks, and coastal roads are to be controlled until the typhoon passes.

Lee Sang-min, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated, "The typhoon's impact is expected to be greatest during nighttime hours. Only proactive and swift responses can reduce damage to the public," and added, "Related agencies should fully commit to response efforts until the typhoon has passed."

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