Good evening. Thank you for joining us. I’m Yoon Jung-min.
We start with torrential rain that has been pounding the country.
More rain is expected until tomorrow.
For more, we have our Choi Soo-hyung standing by in central Seoul.
Soo-hyung, what’s it like there?
Yes, Jung-min. As you can see behind me I am right now under the Jamsugyo Bridge, one of the main bridges crossing the Hangang River in Seoul.
As the monsoon season begins in South Korea, officially on Jeju Island two weeks ago, there have been occasional outbursts of rain but not much.
But as of this morning, heavy rain started pounding the southern region and is slowly moving northward, sweeping across the nation.
Currently, it has almost stopped raining in the south of the country, but heavy rain is expected to pour in the capital area.
According to the weather authorities today, there will be heavy rainfall of 30 to 50 millimeters per hour overall, but a total of between 80 millimeters and 120 millimeters will pour down on the capital and central regions until tomorrow.
Usually, rainfall exceeding 15 millimeters per hour is considered “heavy,” while at 30 millimeters per hour, it’s hard for people to even see what’s in front of them.
I see. Then, tell us, Soo-hyung, how are the authorities dealing with the situation?
Right with heavy rain sweeping nationwide the Ministry of Interior and Safety raised its heavy rain warning level from “interest” to “caution” on Tuesday morning.
The ministry also ordered a Level 1 activation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
With the start of the monsoon season here, the ministry plans to specifically monitor areas at risk of flooding, such as underpasses, riverbanks, and underground parking lots, which it could order closed, while providing alternative routes.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also instructed thorough safety measures and a close monitoring of the situation to prevent casualties and damage.
The authorities will help residents living in areas at risk of landslides and flooding, to ensure they can evacuate immediately if dangerous situations occur.
Also, the government is advising people to stay away from streams and rivers that are prone to flooding.
That’s all I have for now.
Back to you, Jung-min.
Our Choi Soo-hyung, reporting live from the Jamsugyo Bridge. Thank you.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=272716
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