South Korea Issues Landslide Watch Alert as Heavy Rains Expected Nationwide

South Korea is bracing for significant rainfall, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours across most of the country through July 9. The Korea Forest Service has responded by elevating the landslide risk alert to the 'Watch' level for 11 cities and provinces, excluding certain southern areas and Jeju Island.

The heightened alert, which moved from 'Advisory' to 'Watch' starting at 8 a.m. on July 7, covers major regions including Seoul, Daegu, Incheon, Daejeon, Sejong, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk. These areas are particularly vulnerable to landslides due to the anticipated heavy precipitation.

Currently, flood advisories are in effect in parts of Chungnam and flood watches are active in areas of Chungbuk, Jeonbuk, and Gyeongbuk. The forecast indicates that the southern parts of Gyeonggi Province, central and southern inland areas of Gangwon Province, Chungnam, central and northern Chungbuk, northwestern Jeonbuk, and northern inland Gyeongbuk could experience over 150 mm of rain, significantly increasing the risk of landslides.