MAFRA to Conduct Intensive Inspections of Water Facilities and Landslide-Prone Areas Before Monsoon Season

Inspection Meeting on 'Preventive Measures in the Agricultural Sector'
for Summer Disaster Preparedness

As strong rains, heat waves, and tropical nights are expected to occur frequently on the Korean Peninsula this summer, the government has decided to conduct intensive inspections of water management facilities and areas vulnerable to landslides before the monsoon season begins.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on May 14 that it held a meeting at the Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Situation Room to review preventive measures for the agricultural sector in preparation for summer disasters such as typhoons and heavy rains.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, precipitation this summer is expected to be similar to or higher than average, and due to atmospheric instability and rising sea surface temperatures, there is a high possibility of strong downpours and typhoons affecting the Korean Peninsula. Temperatures are expected to be higher than average, with an increased likelihood of heat waves and tropical nights.

In response, the meeting was attended by relevant departments of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, local governments, the Rural Development Administration, the Korea Forest Service, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup), who discussed preventive measures for each sector, including water management facilities, horticulture, livestock, quarantine, and forestry.

First, the government completed the first round of inspections by the end of April, checking the condition of aging reservoirs, pumping stations, and drainage channels; the status of facilities in landslide-prone areas and the operation of evacuation routes for residents; drainage blockages and erosion at mountain solar power facilities; the drainage and fastening status of orchards and greenhouses; and the maintenance of drainage channels and removal of risk factors at livestock facilities. Any deficiencies identified in the first round of inspections will be addressed and re-inspected before the full onset of the monsoon season.

Furthermore, from May 15 to October 15, the government will maintain a 24-hour disaster preparedness and response system, centered on the Summer Disaster Response Situation Room, in close cooperation with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, local governments, the Rural Development Administration, the Korea Forest Service, and Nonghyup. In the event of damage, the government will be fully prepared to provide prompt emergency restoration and disaster support.

In particular, the government will actively promote summer crop and agricultural facility safety guidelines, as well as preventive measures for farmers during heat wave advisories. It also plans to provide step-by-step guidance to farmers so they can respond in advance to weather warnings, using SMS messages, TV news captions, and village broadcasts.

Park Sujin, Director General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "It is important for each province and related agency to prioritize the prevention of casualties and to maintain a response system that allows for the preemptive evacuation of residents in emergency situations." She added, "We will review the progress of summer disaster countermeasures once again before the full onset of the monsoon season to minimize damage to the agricultural sector."

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