<중대본> "Strong Rain Forecast at Dawn... Thorough Preparedness"

Landslide Risk Alert Raised to Higher Level

Han Chang-seop, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), held a video conference on the 22nd with 13 central ministries and 17 metropolitan and provincial governments to check the status of flood control and river management in heavy rain risk areas.

Han Chang-seop, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Han stated, "Since strong rain is forecasted for the early morning hours, please maintain thorough preparedness throughout the night," and added, "Relevant ministries and local governments should further inspect whether there are any areas requiring evacuation and respond decisively and proactively if necessary."

Han also said, "As heavy rain is expected in urban areas, please recheck the surveillance of frequently flooded areas such as underground parking lots and the activity system of evacuation helpers like companion partners."

The Korea Forest Service raised the landslide crisis alert to the severe level for eight metropolitan and provincial areas including Seoul and Gangwon as of 1 p.m. on the same day, and stated that they will carefully manage the weather situation as localized heavy rain may occur. The Ministry of Environment plans to intensively monitor some tributaries where flow rates may rapidly increase.

Han emphasized, "The government will establish a night shift system, and local governments, police, and fire departments will cooperate organically to prevent any casualties."

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