'Safety is the most important thing'

Typhoon “Hinnamnor” arrived in Korea on Monday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the storm reached the south-southwest coastal area of Jeju Island on Monday and was set to move up through Busan on Tuesday. Experts are anticipating that the storm will be stronger than Typhoon Maemi, which swept the Korean peninsula in 2003.

President Yoon Suk-yeol called a meeting at the National Center for Crisis Management located in the Yongsan Presidential Office on Sunday afternoon to ensure that proper countermeasures are established. In order not to repeat the tragic loss of life by the heavy rainfall that hard hit the Seoul metropolitan area last month, the administration will evacuate those who are living in semi-basement units or low-lying homes.

The Korea Meteorological Administration anticipates that when the typhoon arrives, strong wind and heavy rainfall will hit the country. They forecasted that heavy rains of 50 to 100 millimeter per hour will fall in Jeju Island, the Seoul metropolitan area, parts of Gangwon Province and South Chungcheong Province on Monday. On Tuesday, all areas of the country will be hard hit by heavy rain.

Many are expressing concern that lowland areas are especially vulnerable to strong wind and rainfall.

“We need to establish proper measures in advance to cope with high waves induced by the high sea level, the flooding of lowlands and backflow issues in areas lacking drainage facilities,” the Korea Meteorological Administration said, adding that people need to stay in a safe place.

#the_vulnerable_should_be_the_priority
“It was the vulnerable who were hit hardest by the heavy rainfall last month. Their safety should be taken more seriously.”
“Local governments need to make sure that vulnerable people are staying safe.”

#care_for_each_other
“When it rains heavily, express delivery or delivery services need to be called off. Safety is the most important thing.”

BY HWANG JAE-YOUNG, BY HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]