Central Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters Activates Level 1 for Heavy Rain in Southern Regions; Flood Damage Concentrated in Gyeongnam and Geoje

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that it activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) starting at 6:00 a.m. today (the 17th), following heavy rain warnings issued for Busan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju.

Interior and Safety Minister Yun Ho-jung, who heads the CDSCH, urged, "Until the heavy rain stops and recovery efforts are complete, we will make an all-out response alongside relevant agencies to protect the lives of citizens," adding, "We ask the public to frequently check disaster safety alerts and refrain from approaching dangerous areas."

Currently, heavy rain warnings are in effect for Busan, Jeju, and the Gyeongnam cities and counties of Tongyeong, Geoje, Goseong, Sacheon, and Namhae, while heavy rain advisories have been issued for Ulsan and the Gyeongnam areas of Sancheong, Jinju, Yangsan, Gimhae, Miryang, Changwon, and Hadong.

Particularly in Geoje, a surge in 119 emergency calls regarding flooding, landslides, and other incidents has occurred due to the combination of torrential downpours and high tide.

The Geoje Fire Station issued a Level 1 response at 1:10 a.m. and subsequently upgraded it to a Level 2 response at 6:18 a.m.

The National Fire Agency urgently deployed the Yeongnam and Honam 119 Special Rescue Units of the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters as well as the Ulsan 119 Chemical Rescue Center to the scene, along with specialized equipment including high-capacity pump systems.

In addition, focusing on the Geoje Fire Station, approximately 180 support personnel—including the Gyeongnam Fire Headquarters 119 Special Rescue Unit and firefighters from the Tongyeong, Jinju, and Goseong fire stations—have been deployed to exert all-out efforts for on-site responses such as rescue operations and safety measures.

The National Fire Agency has also been operating its situation response team since 2:40 a.m. to closely monitor and manage the on-site situation.

In Yesol Village, Aju-dong, around 100 residents evacuated, while about 30 isolated residents evacuated from Hoejin Village, Ilun-myeon.

Rescue operations and safety measures are also ongoing in other affected areas including Dunduk-myeon, Sadeung-myeon, Jangpyeong-dong, Geoje-myeon, and Gohyeon-dong.

As of 6:00 a.m., cumulative rainfall reached 782.5 mm in Geoje, Gyeongnam; 628.9 mm in Tongyeong; and 428.5 mm in Gangseo-gu, Busan. Peak hourly rainfall recorded 124.5 mm in Geoje, Gyeongnam; 101.5 mm in Gangseo-gu, Busan; and 97.4 mm in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam.

A total of 603 reports of heavy rain damage, such as road obstructions and flooded homes, were received, with Gyeongnam accounting for the vast majority at 555 cases (92.0%).

Three passenger ship routes involving three vessels remain suspended, and access is restricted to 826 locations across six cities and provinces, including 299 sections in five national parks, riverside walking trails, and riverside parking lots.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.