Measures to prevent flooding announced as El Niño looms

The Environment Ministry announced measures to prevent flooding in Korea as the country anticipates heavy rains this summer worsened by El Nino. The ministry promised swift and accurate flood forecasts and the establishment of new infrastructure ...

Water discharged from a dam on the Imjin River in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi on June 29, 2022 [YONHAP]

The Environment Ministry announced measures to prevent flooding in Korea as the country anticipates heavy rains this summer worsened by El Niño.

The ministry promised swift and accurate flood forecasts and the establishment of new infrastructure to prevent flooding across the country.

Regions prone to flooding will be managed and inter-agency cooperation will be expanded for swifter response.

The measures come on the heels of recent extreme weather in Korea.

Last August, the central and northern regions of the country, including the greater Seoul area, were hit by unprecedented torrential rains that damaged and submerged thousands of vehicles. At least 12 people were killed due to flash floods, including in Seoul and Gyeonggi.

The following month, the country was struck by Typhoon Hinnamnor, which killed at least 11 people in the country’s southeastern regions.

This year, the situation may be worse as the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts the country may experience extreme torrential rains due to the effects of El Niño this summer.

The ministry will start operating an artificial intelligence-based forecast system for flooding near Dorim Stream in Gwanak District of southern Seoul. From 2025, the system will be expanded to 223 locations across the country.

According to the ministry, this will provide forecasts six hours in advance compared to the current three hours.

The ministry will draw up seasonally appropriate measures to prevent flooding for regions that urgently require them like the south-eastern cities of Busan, Pohang and Gyeongju.

Some 390 locations across the country have been designated as flood-prone areas, with the government calling for constant communication between residents and local authorities.

The budget allocated for the improvement of the drainage system will be expanded to 154.1 billion won ($116.4 million) this year from the previous 100 billion won, while that allocated to the maintenance of streams will be expanded to 451 billion won this year from 350 billion won.

Environment Minister Han Wha-jin talks during a press conference held at the government complex in Sejong on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

“Streams will be inspected to establish flood-prevention infrastructure and projects to increase the storage rates of dams will be expanded,” Environment Minister Han Wha-jin told the press at the government complex in Sejong on Tuesday.

As mid- and long-term measures, underground rainwater storage tunnels will be built in three areas — Gangnam Station, Dorim Stream and Gwanghwamun in central Seoul — by 2027.

Monitoring of water levels and discharge from dams, particularly near the inter-Korean border, will also be bolstered using satellite videos.

“Water management based on science and practicality will be implemented as abnormal weather, including extreme flooding last year and droughts that continued through this year, will become more frequent and worsen,” Han said.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO, JEONG EUN-HYE [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]