Korean Prime Minister: "El Nino Risk This Year... Full Preparedness Needed"

Han Deok-su Inspects Flood Preparedness... "Installation of Water Barriers in Semi-basement Houses"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo inspected the preparedness measures ahead of the rainy season on the 23rd by visiting the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and flood-prone areas in Seoul.

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Han visited the National Meteorological Center of the KMA in Seoul to review the disaster text message system that the KMA has been directly sending since the 15th. He stated, “With the trend of global warming and the high possibility of El Ni?o occurring this summer, it is necessary to be fully prepared for various climate disasters such as heatwaves, heavy rain, floods, and typhoons.” He added, “The KMA must faithfully serve as the vanguard in promptly and accurately informing the public about climate disasters, prioritizing the safety of the people.”

Prime Minister Han then visited a low-lying residential area near Dorimcheon in Dongjak-gu, Seoul. Dorimcheon flows through Gwanak-gu, Dongjak-gu, Guro-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu. In August last year, record-breaking heavy rain in Seoul caused several deaths among residents of semi-basement homes near Dorimcheon in Gwanak-gu.

On the 12th, ahead of the full-scale monsoon season, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited a low-lying residential area near Dorimcheon in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to inspect the installed flood prevention water barriers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doos7@

Prime Minister Han emphasized, “Above all, there must be no casualties. Please ensure strict access control to prevent isolation on riverside walking paths and accidents caused by swift currents during sudden heavy rain.” Regarding flood barriers for semi-basement homes, he instructed, “Install them as quickly as possible before the full rainy season begins.” He also urged the government and local governments to continuously check whether the barriers are properly installed to function effectively in dangerous situations and to actively inform residents on how to use them regularly. Additionally, since rainwater drains are often blocked by covers or trash, he called for repeated inspections and for raising awareness among local residents about precautions.

Prime Minister Han said, “All related ministries and local governments should make every effort to ensure that the various flood prevention and resident evacuation measures they have prepared create a synergistic effect.”

The Prime Minister’s Office announced that the government and local governments nationwide are implementing comprehensive preventive measures this year to minimize damage from heavy rains, including ▲ predicting and rapidly disseminating information about dangerous situations ▲ installing flood prevention facilities ▲ establishing resident evacuation systems ▲ and improving housing for residents living in disaster-vulnerable homes.