Typhoon 'Kraton' Moving North... Preparedness for Possible Heavy Rain Bombardment During the Holiday

Moving westward near Taiwan... Despite deviating from the path,
heavy rain forecasted, government meetings and focused inspections underway

Typhoon Kkurraton, the 18th typhoon of the season, is moving northward near Taiwan, and there is a possibility of heavy rain in Korea, prompting the government to prepare.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 30th, as of 3 a.m., Typhoon Kkurraton was moving westward at a speed of 14 km/h in the sea about 580 km south of Taipei. Meteorological Analyst Gong Sang-min from the Korea Meteorological Administration explained, "How far it moves westward is an important factor as it will affect the typhoon's intensity, movement direction, and speed."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although this typhoon is not expected to directly hit the Korean Peninsula, heavy rain is forecast mainly in the southern regions and along the east coast around the holiday period from the 3rd to the 5th of next month. The southern and east coastal areas suffered damage due to sudden heavy rain during the recent Chuseok holiday.

In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, related ministries, and local governments have begun thorough preparations for the typhoon. Minister Lee Sang-min of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety held a meeting with related agencies the previous day to prepare for the northward approach of Kkurraton, focusing on inspecting vulnerable areas and facilities and controlling dangerous zones to protect lives. He especially emphasized caution to prevent blind spots in response during the holiday period including Gaecheonjeol.

Minister Lee stated, "Please conduct pre-inspections of areas and facilities vulnerable to typhoons such as regions affected by September heavy rain, coastal areas, underground passages, and construction sites. If there are any deficiencies, please immediately supplement them. We also ask for inspections of disaster prevention facilities such as checking the operation status of drainage pumping stations and maintenance of drainage channels."

Additionally, the Korea Coast Guard is monitoring distant fishing vessels in real-time in response to storm warnings and has strengthened safety patrols in vulnerable areas such as rocky shores in preparation for the typhoon.