Typhoon 'Jongdari' Moving North... Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Activated at Level 1

Crisis Alert Level Raised from 'Interest' to 'Caution'

As Typhoon Jongdari approaches from the north, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters has activated Level 1.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that since Typhoon Jongdari is expected to affect South Korea starting from Jeju on the 20th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters emergency Level 1 will be activated from 8 a.m. The crisis alert level has also been raised from 'Interest' to 'Caution.'

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the typhoon is expected to pass near the sea south-southwest of Seogwipo around noon today, and near the west of Seogwipo around 6 p.m. with maximum wind speeds of 19 m/s and a strong wind radius of 150?170 km. It is forecasted to weaken into a tropical depression near the sea northwest of Mokpo around midnight.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee Sang-min, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of the Interior and Safety), urged related agencies to preemptively restrict access to coastal campsites, walking trails, and conduct regular patrols, as flooding is expected along the coast due to the combined effects of the typhoon during the Baekjung Sari period, which lasts until the 23rd. The Baekjung Sari period is when the tidal range is at its greatest, with the highest tide levels expected from today until the 22nd in Incheon, Gunsan, Masan, and Seogwipo.

Additionally, to prepare for strong winds and high waves, he instructed securing or removing falling hazards such as signboards and tower cranes, and to preemptively lift or moor vessels and aquaculture facilities.

For vulnerable facilities such as areas prone to landslides due to heavy rain, underground roads, and semi-basement houses, he also requested enhanced monitoring and, if there is a risk, preemptive control and evacuation of residents.

The head of the headquarters stated, "As this is the first typhoon to affect our country this year, related agencies should remain vigilant and ensure thorough preparedness without any gaps in typhoon response," and added, "We also ask the public to frequently check weather information and refrain from visiting dangerous areas such as coastal areas, breakwaters, and riverbanks to ensure personal safety."