Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok Urges Minimizing Resident Damage from Heavy Rainfall

Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok held a disaster countermeasure briefing on the morning of the 4th to discuss ways to minimize damage to residents caused by the ongoing heavy rain.

According to Jeonnam Province, following the heavy rain of a total of 200mm in the province due to the influence of the rainy season front that began on the 25th of last month, additional rain is forecasted until the 5th. Accidents such as landslides and slope collapses due to ground weakening are a concern.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted heavy rain of 50 to 100mm over two days centered on the southern coast until the 5th, with some areas receiving more than 150mm.

Accordingly, the meeting focused on measures to minimize casualties from wind and flood damage, including preemptive evacuation of residents in areas at risk of casualties, monitoring signs of collapse in dangerous facilities, and special management of social welfare facilities and vulnerable groups.

Governor Kim said, “Although the rainfall amount may not have been a major issue in the past, localized sudden heavy rain due to abnormal climate change can cause risks in certain areas, so we must prepare proactively. Thoroughly inspect landslide-prone areas and solar power facilities around villages, and establish and implement effective measures that can be applied on-site to prevent casualties.”

He continued, “Since the ground has softened and weakened due to continuous rain since the end of June, even a small amount of rain can cause major accidents, so we must never let our guard down. All sectors should prepare to an extent that may seem excessive regarding casualties.”

He also urged, “Comfort the residents who may feel fatigued due to repeated evacuations caused by heavy rain, and do not hesitate to provide consolation supplies if necessary.”

In Jeonnam, it was tentatively reported that from the 27th to 28th of last month, heavy rain exceeding 150mm caused one casualty, flooding of seven houses, and flooding of 1,917 hectares of farmland, among other damages.

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