On the 16th, extreme heavy rain exceeding 80 mm per hour fell primarily in the metropolitan area, and some regions are expected to receive over 200 mm of 'water bombs' by the 17th, prompting the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to activate Phase 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) from 3 p.m. that day.
The Korea Meteorological Administration announced that heavy rain of 150 to 200 mm is expected until the 17th, mainly in the metropolitan area, Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Jeolla regions. In response, Acting Minister Kim Min-jae ordered measures to minimize damage, saying he emphasized 'real-time situation management and the activation of the emergency response system.'
According to the regulations on the composition and operation of the CDSCHQ, the activation of Phase 1 occurs when heavy rain warnings are issued in three or more cities and provinces, and heavy rain advisories are issued in four or more cities and provinces. Phase 1 is the lowest level, with a maximum of three phases defined. Phase 3 is activated when heavy rain warnings are issued in four or more cities and provinces, and when conditions are forecasted to persist for three days or more or when large-scale damage is occurring or likely to occur.
Deputy Minister Kim noted, 'As a lot of rain continues to fall after the rain over the weekend, I ask that related agencies establish a robust emergency response posture.' He also urged, 'I ask that citizens frequently check the weather situation and refrain from approaching dangerous areas such as landslide-prone regions, riverbanks, and underground spaces.'