▲ Kim Gwang-yong, Head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, presides over a meeting with relevant agencies to review preparedness for heavy rain at the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in the Government Complex Sejong on the 19th.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it held a meeting with relevant agencies, presided over by Kim Gwang-yong, Head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters, as heavy rain is expected across the country through tomorrow (the 20th).
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the rain began in Jeju today and is expected to expand to the Honam region by late afternoon and across the entire country by tonight, continuing nationwide until tomorrow afternoon.
Rain is expected to continue until tomorrow night in the central region, Gyeongbuk, and Jeju, and until the afternoon of the 21st in the mountainous areas of Gangwon and the east coast.
In particular, between tonight and tomorrow morning, Jeju Island, the southern coast, and areas near Jirisan Mountain may experience gusts, thunder, and lightning, with very heavy rainfall of 30 to 50 mm per hour.
During today's meeting, Head Kim ordered strengthened inspections and monitoring of areas prone to damage, such as steep slopes, landslide-vulnerable zones, and areas with a history of past damage. He also directed checks on drainage facilities to prevent flooding caused by clogged rainwater grates.
Furthermore, he ordered the preemptive closure of areas at risk of flooding, such as underpasses and riverside walkways, and instructed that evacuation orders be promptly delivered to nearby residents via emergency disaster text messages if dangerous situations arise.
"As recent climate change increases the possibility of unpredictable localized heavy rain, we will keep a close watch on weather conditions," said Head Kim. "For their own safety, we urge the public to refrain from going out during vulnerable hours or approaching dangerous areas, and to check weather information frequently."
According to the public safety guidelines for heavy rain and typhoons distributed by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, it is advised to avoid hillsides and steep slopes and to refrain from outdoor activities when heavy rain is expected.
Casualties from heavy rain have historically occurred mainly between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and flooding accidents often occur while people are moving or engaged in disaster prevention activities.
(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.