'Gapho Emergency' Across Seoul... Police Prepare for Flooding in Underpasses and More

On the 23rd, as heavy rain was forecast across the Seoul metropolitan area, the police issued a Disaster Emergency Alert (Gapho) to all 31 police stations in Seoul and began preparing for the situation.

Heavy rain continued overnight with a heavy rain warning issued across Seoul, causing the Han River water level to rise. On the 14th, all traffic on the Jamsugyo Bridge in Seoul is completely prohibited. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The police deployed 783 patrol cars to 721 locations in Seoul, including underground passages where flooding risks or traffic controls are expected, to monitor for any damage. Meanwhile, the Special Police Unit is stationed at key points to prepare for any emergencies.

The police plan to promptly detect flood risks in nearby areas and implement traffic controls if water levels rise in the Han River and city streams due to heavy rain and upstream dam discharges.

The Gapho emergency is the highest alert level, allowing the mobilization of up to 100% of relevant police personnel. Officers must suspend leave, and commanders, including precinct and substation chiefs, are required to work either in the office or on-site.

Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun held a nationwide commanders' meeting the previous morning, instructing to issue emergency duty orders according to regional situations and to proactively control traffic if any signs of danger are detected.

As of the morning of the 23rd, the Seoul, Incheon, and Gangwon Police Agencies have declared Gapho emergency, while the Gyeonggi Southern and Northern Police Agencies have declared Eulho emergency, mobilizing up to half of their available personnel. The Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gyeongbuk Police Agencies are strengthening their alertness and duty.

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