South Korea issues heavy rain advisories, activates Level 1 disaster response

South Korea has issued heavy rain advisories for the Sejong, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk regions as a seasonal rain front affects the country. In response, the government activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) to Level 1, signaling an elevated state of emergency preparedness.

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Thoroughly establish regional emergency response systems and inter-agency cooperation systems, and ensure thorough situation management, focusing on real-time weather conditions.

CDSCHQ Chief Yoon Ho-joong directed relevant agencies to strengthen their emergency response systems and ensure thorough coordination. He emphasized the need for diligent situation management, focusing on real-time weather conditions. The directive also called for enhanced monitoring of areas prone to landslides, steep slopes, coastal regions, riverbanks, campgrounds, and underpasses.

Authorities are instructed to implement preemptive controls in these high-risk zones during adverse weather. The plan includes rapidly disseminating warnings through village broadcasts and emergency text messages, and utilizing resident evacuation support teams to prevent delays in moving people to safety. Real-time information sharing among local governments, police, and fire departments is crucial, especially when there is a risk of casualties.

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Strengthen monitoring of areas vulnerable to landslides, steep slopes, coastal areas, riverbanks, campgrounds, and underpasses, and preemptively control them in case of dangerous weather.

Chief Yoon urged the public to remain vigilant, regularly check weather forecasts and official guidance, and avoid dangerous areas like coastlines and riverbanks. The coordinated response aims to minimize potential damage and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas as the heavy rainfall continues.

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Citizens should also pay close attention to safety by frequently checking the guidance of the authorities, such as weather information and disaster messages, and refraining from approaching dangerous areas such as coastal areas and riverbanks.