Gyeonggi Province activates 'Emergency Level 1' ahead of predicted heavy rainfall up to 200mm

Gyeonggi Province has proactively initiated its disaster and safety headquarters at Level 1 in response to forecasts of significant rainfall, with up to 200mm expected across the province from Friday night to Sunday. This preemptive measure aims to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety as a stationary front moves northward, bringing strong winds, thunder, and heavy rain to the central region of South Korea.

The forecast indicates that northern Gyeonggi could receive up to 150mm of rain, while the southern part of the province might experience over 200mm. Particularly concerning is the period between midnight and noon on Saturday, when hourly rainfall rates could reach 20-80mm. The rain is expected to briefly subside on Saturday afternoon and evening before a second wave of heavy downpours begins Saturday night through Sunday morning as the stationary front reactivates.

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The risk of dangerous areas occurring throughout the province has become very high due to the heavy rain again following the previous downpour.

To manage the impending weather, 40 officials from relevant departments, including those overseeing natural disasters, forests, roads, and rivers, have been mobilized. They will focus on real-time monitoring of rainfall, weather advisories, facility controls, and resident evacuation status across all cities and counties within the province. Provincial officials have also been instructed to conduct preemptive safety checks on high-risk facilities like retaining walls and to prepare drainage systems and pumps.

Authorities are especially emphasizing the need for swift evacuation of visitors from vulnerable areas such as mountain valleys, riversides, campgrounds, and pensions, particularly during nighttime hours when the heavy rain coincides with the summer holiday season. Kim Gyu-sik, head of Gyeonggi Province's safety management office, urged residents to refrain from unnecessary outings during the rainfall and to avoid areas with unstable trees or old retaining walls, noting the increased risk of danger following recent heavy rains.

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During the rainfall, please refrain from going out if possible, and avoid approaching trees that are at risk of falling or old retaining walls and slopes.