Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung held a meeting with relevant agencies this afternoon (July 17) to inspect readiness for heavy rain, as significant rainfall is forecast for the central regions starting early tomorrow (July 18), the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, strong rain accompanied by gusts, thunder, and lightning is expected to fall at a rate of 30 to 50 mm per hour in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon Province, and the Chungcheong region starting early tomorrow morning.

In particular, very heavy rain of 50 to 80 mm per hour is expected in the Seoul metropolitan area, inland Gangwon, the Chungnam region, and northern Chungbuk.

Minister Yun ordered the preemptive activation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and the emergency dispatch of on-site situation management officers to 9 cities and provinces where heavy rain is expected.

Furthermore, he ordered thorough pre-emptive closures and resident evacuations for vacation spots such as mountain valleys, campsites, and camping grounds, as well as areas vulnerable to flooding and disasters, including semi-basement homes, underpasses, and aging reservoirs.

He also instructed officials to inspect drainage facilities, such as rain gutters and drainage pump stations in areas that recently suffered flood damage, and to promptly disseminate disaster information using emergency text messages and village broadcasting systems.

"There is no such thing as an overreaction when it comes to protecting the lives of the people," Minister Yun said. "Please maintain an emergency response posture during the holiday period and respond immediately if any signs of danger are detected."

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Yonhap News)