Typhoon 'Khanun' Approaches North, Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Raised to Level 3... Crisis Alert 'Severe'

Expected to Directly Impact the Entire Country

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the crisis alert level for Typhoon No. 6 'Khanun' from 'Warning' to the highest level 'Severe' at 5 p.m. on the 8th, and upgraded the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) from level 2 to level 3. The Ministry announced that this decision was made based on forecasts that the typhoon would pass through the Korean Peninsula inland and directly affect the entire country from the 9th to the 11th.

On the 8th, Typhoon Khanun, the 6th typhoon of the season, is approaching the area around Gwangchigi Beach in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju, causing high waves. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Typhoon Khanun is expected to maintain strong intensity and make landfall on the southern coast on the morning of the 10th, then pass through the Korean Peninsula. Some areas in the Gangwon region (Yeongdong) are expected to receive over 600mm of rainfall, and the Gyeongsang region (northern, western inland, and eastern coastal areas) is expected to receive over 300mm of heavy rain, with all regions nationwide forecasted to be affected by the typhoon.

The CDSCH urged related agencies to control and evacuate residents from semi-basements, steep slopes, underground roads, riversides, coastal roads, and breakwaters to minimize casualties caused by the typhoon. Areas damaged by the monsoon rains should be quickly restored, and places crowded with vacationers such as beaches should be controlled. Residents in dangerous areas such as mountain villages and riverside communities are encouraged to evacuate to shelters by the afternoon of the 9th. Additionally, public transportation should be increased during commuting hours with enhanced usage guidance, and emergency situations such as controls and weather conditions should be promptly communicated to the public using disaster text messages and other means.

Lee Sang-min, head of the CDSCH, said, "We will preemptively control dangerous areas such as underground roads and riversides and evacuate residents to prevent casualties," and urged, "We ask the public to monitor weather conditions closely and refrain from outdoor activities and going out."