The Korea Forest Service has raised the landslide alert level to 'caution' for the Gangwon and Gyeongbuk regions due to an increased risk from heavy rainfall.
As of 8:30 a.m. on June 20, the alert level was elevated from 'interest' to 'caution' following forecasts of over 200 millimeters of rain in the mountainous areas of Gangwon and along the eastern coast through June 21.
The Korea Meteorological Administration predicts more than 200 millimeters of rain in northern Gangwon's mountainous areas and over 150 millimeters in central mountainous regions and the mid-northern eastern coast. Heavy rain advisories are currently in effect for the Gangwon Yeongdong area, including cities like Gangneung, Sokcho, and Samcheok, with strong winds also expected.
The landslide alert system operates on a four-tier scale: interest, caution, alert, and serious. The remaining 15 cities and provinces, including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, will maintain the existing 'interest' level.
The Korea Forest Service advises against outdoor activities in forest-adjacent areas and urges residents to avoid vulnerable regions prone to landslides. They also recommend swift evacuation to designated shelters if evacuation notices are issued. Currently, no landslide damage has been reported in Gyeongbuk.
A representative from the Korea Forest Service stated, "We urge citizens in areas forecasted to receive heavy rain to refrain from outdoor activities near forests and to avoid accessing landslide-prone areas. Please pay attention to evacuation notices through emergency text alerts and village broadcasts, and evacuate quickly to designated shelters like community centers if an evacuation order is issued."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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