294 Evacuated Nationwide; Central Disaster Headquarters Maintains Level 2 Alert for Potential Landslides

Although heavy rain warnings across the country have been lifted, the government has decided to maintain the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCHQ) at Level 2 for the time being to focus on recovery efforts and prepare for potential additional landslides.

Overnight rainfall led to flooding of homes and roads in various regions, along with landslides. As of 7:30 a.m. today (July 19), 294 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

In particular, regions such as North Gyeongsang Province, which suffered significant damage from large wildfires last year, face a high risk of landslides. Consequently, CDSCHQ Chief Yoon Ho-jung has dispatched the Deputy Chief of the headquarters to the North Gyeongsang region.

The Deputy Chief will oversee emergency relief for evacuees, emergency repairs of damaged facilities, and additional preventive measures against landslides on-site.

Chief Yoon stated, "As heavy rain is forecast for this week as well, I urge local governments, the Korea Forest Service, and other relevant agencies to repeatedly inspect rainwater gutters and drainage facilities. Please ensure thorough management so that residents in areas prone to landslides can only return home after their safety has been definitively confirmed."

Previously, in response to the heavy rainfall, the CDSCHQ activated Level 1 emergency operations at 9:00 p.m. on July 17. Following the issuance of heavy rain warnings for the Seoul metropolitan area and Gangwon Province at 4:30 a.m. on July 18, the crisis alert level was raised from "Caution" to "Alert," and the CDSCHQ moved to Level 2 operations.

(Photo: Provided by Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province; Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.