The Korea Forest Service is reorganizing the landslide risk warning system to secure about one hour of evacuation time.
On the 30th, the Korea Forest Service announced that it will change the landslide prediction information system from the existing two-step system (Advisory → Warning) to a three-step system (Advisory → Preliminary Warning → Warning), enabling residents to secure about one hour of evacuation time.
Landslide prediction information is based on data produced by the landslide information system operated by the Korea Forest Service and is used to disseminate landslide risks.
When advisories or warnings are issued, the information is immediately transmitted to local government officials and deputy heads to take measures such as evacuating residents on site and issuing landslide forecasts. Landslide prediction information can also be checked by anyone through the landslide information system and the mobile app ‘Smart Sanlim Jaennan’ (Smart Forest Disaster).
Until now, the Korea Forest Service has automatically issued an ‘Advisory’ when soil moisture reaches 80% of the maximum water content the soil can hold, and a ‘Warning’ when it reaches 100%.
By adding an intermediate step called ‘Preliminary Warning,’ the Korea Forest Service explains that when a preliminary warning is issued by the landslide prediction information system, residents will be notified to evacuate, thereby securing about one hour of evacuation time.
This measure reflects the analysis by the National Institute of Forest Science, which found that it takes on average about one hour for soil moisture to increase from 90% to 100%.
Nam Sung-hyun, Administrator of the Korea Forest Service, said, “Landslides are natural disasters that pose significant risks to many lives and properties, so proactive prevention and evacuation are most important. For the safety of yourself and your family, please familiarize yourself with the national landslide action guidelines and, if you receive an evacuation message during the rainy season, evacuate promptly to a safe place on site without hesitation.”
Meanwhile, the Korea Forest Service issued a nationwide landslide crisis warning at the ‘Advisory’ level as of 2 p.m. on the 29th.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that very heavy and intense rain (30mm to 100mm, with a maximum of over 150mm) would fall nationwide from the 29th to the 30th.
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