As strong rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is forecasted for the Chungcheong and southern regions over the weekend, the government is taking steps to prevent secondary damage in areas like Geoje and Tongyeong.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 28th that it held a response meeting led by Kim Yong-kyun, head of the Natural Disaster Management Division, in anticipation of heavy rain starting on the morning of the 29th.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain is expected in most parts of the country on the 29th, with a stationary front likely bringing heavy rain of 20 to 30 mm per hour (and over 50 mm in some areas) to the Chungcheong and southern regions on the 30th and 31st.
Forecasted rainfall for the 29th includes: Jeollabuk-do 30-80 mm, Seoul metropolitan area, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do 20-60 mm, and other regions 5-40 mm. For the 30th, expected rainfall is: Chungcheong and Jeolla regions 30-80 mm, Gyeongsang region 20-60 mm, and other areas 5-30 mm.
During the meeting, representatives from central ministries, including the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Korea Forest Service, along with local governments from Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, Busan, and Jeju, reported on their preparedness for the heavy rain based on the weather forecast.
Kim Yong-kyun emphasized the need to ensure that no casualties occur due to the upcoming heavy rain and urged agencies to focus on the following measures:
First, in areas that experienced damage from heavy rain between August 15 and 18, all available resources should be mobilized for rapid emergency recovery to prevent a recurrence of similar damage, and safety measures must be thoroughly implemented.
He also instructed that debris be removed from drainage systems and that the operation of flood control facilities, such as drainage pump stations, be verified.
Additionally, emergency measures, such as the installation of waterproof tarps, should be re-evaluated in areas prone to landslides and steep slopes, and monitoring should be intensified. If risks are identified, access should be promptly restricted, and cooperation with evacuation support teams should be established to assist residents.
Furthermore, in areas prone to flooding, such as semi-basement homes, underground passages, and riverside walking paths, real-time monitoring of conditions should be conducted, and preemptive controls should be implemented without delay if any signs of danger are observed.
Finally, Kim Kwang-yong, head of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters, stated, “The government will do its utmost to ensure that no casualties occur due to this heavy rain through thorough preparation and rapid on-site response.” He urged the public to regularly check weather alerts and to avoid going out during heavy rain, as well as to refrain from approaching dangerous areas such as landslide-prone regions and riverbanks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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