[뉴스특보] 전국 휩쓴 ‘극한호우’…잠기고 무너지고 피해 속출 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Guest: Moon Hyun-chul, Vice President of the Korean Society for Disaster Management] As torrential rains exceeding 80mm per hour poured down across the country, damage from the rain occurred one after another. The damage was particularly severe in the Chungcheong region, which received around 200mm of rain. In Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, a man in his 70s was swept away by a flash flood, and damage continued to occur, including a residential retaining wall collapsing and an evacuation order being issued for residents. We will discuss these related issues with Moon Hyun-chul, Vice President of the Korean Society for Disaster Management. [Question 1] Damage has occurred in various places due to the torrential rains pouring down across the country. It seems that the damage is greatest in the Chungcheong region, where the heavy rain was concentrated. What is the current extent of the damage in the Chungcheong region? [Question 1-1] In Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, a 570-year-old hackberry tree was reportedly uprooted, unable to withstand the torrential rains that continued for two days. Is it because so much rain fell in the Chungcheong region in such a short period? [Question 2] In the case of the Chungbuk region, since there was significant flooding damage at the Osong Underpass due to torrential rains three years ago, I assumed they would have prepared well in advance before the heavy rains were forecast. Nevertheless, rivers near the Osong Underpass overflowed, flooding roads and farmlands. Wouldn't advance preparation and control measures before torrential rains be ways to minimize damage? [Question 3] Rivers are particularly dangerous because they swell up in an instant. With heavy rain advisories issued across Seoul, access to all 29 rivers in the city was temporarily restricted. The first flood advisory was also issued near Dorimcheon Stream in Seoul; I think this is the first time I've heard the term 'flood advisory.' When and how is a flood advisory issued? [Question 4] I also remember when the area around Gangnam Station in Seoul was flooded four years ago. It is said that a ‘Urban Flood Forecast’ was introduced on a trial basis this year to reduce the extent of damage caused by urban flooding. What kind of effect can we expect from this during extreme heavy rainfall? [Question 5] Early this morning, a heavy rain advisory was issued for Yeoncheon and Paju in Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon in Gangwon Province. It is reported that torrential rain of 20mm fell per hour. What precautions should residents in these areas—including Yeoncheon, Paju, and Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon in Gangwon Province—take? [Question 5-1] Nearly 200 millimeters of torrential rain fell in the southern region of Gangwon Province as well. National highways were temporarily closed due to soil erosion and rockfalls, mainly in mountainous areas, and some regions suffered power outages. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but shouldn't we be prepared for landslides in mountainous areas when it rains? [Question 6] It is said that landslides have accounted for the highest number of casualties among flood and storm damages over the past 10 years. Please explain the reasons for this and how residents in areas prone to frequent landslides should respond. [Question 6-1] After landslides, river disasters cause the second highest number of casualties. As mentioned earlier, 14 people lost their lives in the Osong underground disaster three years ago. How should we prevent and prepare for river disasters? [Question 7] It is said that once the rain stops, heatwaves and tropical nights will return to the central region. Weather advisories have been subdivided, with new warnings such as the Severe Heatwave Warning and Tropical Night Advisory being established. In Seoul, one person has already died from a heat-related illness. Given global warming, it seems that heatwaves are now becoming a natural disaster; how should we prepare for them? ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV's documentary channel 'Docu-Digging'    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to Yonhap News TV YouTube Channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The Beginning of Korean News, Yonhap News TV / Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/