South Korea Raises Landslide Risk Warning to 'Caution' for Southern Regions Amid Heavy Rain Forecast

South Korea has elevated the landslide risk warning to 'Caution' for the Gwangju, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions due to anticipated heavy rainfall.

The Korea Forest Service issued the upgraded warning on the morning of July 16. This alert level signifies a heightened risk of landslides, moving from 'Interest' to 'Caution.' The warning system progresses through 'Interest,' 'Caution,' 'Alert,' and 'Serious' stages based on weather conditions.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts significant rainfall in the southern coastal areas of Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, as well as the Jirisan area, through July 17. Some locations could experience intense downpours of 150 to 250 millimeters or more.

Jeong Jong-woo, head of the Forest Service's landslide prevention division, advised residents in areas expecting heavy rain to refrain from outdoor activities near forests. He stressed the importance of paying attention to emergency alerts and evacuation orders from village broadcasts. Residents are urged to evacuate to designated shelters immediately if an order is issued.

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Residents in areas where heavy rain is forecast should refrain from outdoor activities near forests. Residents should pay attention to evacuation guidance through emergency disaster messages and village broadcasts, and if an evacuation order is issued, move immediately to the designated shelter.