South Korea issues first 'disaster-level heavy rain' alert in Daegu

The Suseong district of Daegu, South Korea, experienced its first "disaster-level heavy rain" event, prompting the issuance of an emergency alert. The Meteorological Administration recorded 89 millimeters of rain in one hour and 31.5 millimeters in just 15 minutes in the Jisan1-dong area late on July 17th. This intense downpour triggered the newly established "disaster-level heavy rain" emergency alert system.

This new alert system, implemented this year, has a threshold of 100mm of rain in an hour, or 85mm in an hour combined with 25mm in 15 minutes. It was activated to ensure citizens could quickly recognize dangerous situations and take immediate safety measures. This is in addition to the existing heavy rain alert system, which has lower thresholds, reflecting an increase in extreme rainfall events.

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We expect very heavy and abundant rain in various parts of the country from the night of the 17th to the 19th, so there is a high possibility that heavy rain emergency alerts will be sent out additionally.

Authorities are urging residents who receive these alerts to immediately evacuate risk areas, avoid flooded spaces, and cease all outdoor activities. The heavy rainfall is attributed to a stationary front affecting various parts of the country. Similar alerts were issued in other regions, including Gyeonggi Province and Chungcheong Province, as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected to continue nationwide through July 19th.

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When you receive an emergency alert for disaster-level heavy rain, do not take the situation lightly and secure your safety immediately.