Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Lee Jong-sup hosted a meeting to check preparedness

Refraining from nonessential outdoor activities, watching weather forecasts

Lee emphasized the safety of soldiers while supporting civilian disaster recovery

On the afternoon of August 9, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup hosted an armed forces readiness meeting in advance of Typhoon No. 6 Khanun and urged a strict disaster readiness posture. Provided by Ministry of National Defense

On the afternoon of August 9, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup hosted an armed forces readiness meeting in connection with Typhoon No. 6 Khanun, which was heading north toward the Korean Peninsula, and urged every necessary measure to prevent loss of life and property damage.

Minister Lee stated, “The ground has been weakened by heavy rain since July, and although Khanun is less intense than Hinnamnor from last year, it's not to be taken lightly as it’s expected to impact the Korean Peninsula for an extended period.” He added, “To prevent loss of life and minimize property damage, remain vigilant; just because damages from past typhoons weren't severe doesn't mean we can let our guard down.”

Lee emphasized checking additional issues to take measures before the typhoon arrived on the Korean Peninsula, such as refraining from non-essential outdoor activities, watching weather forecasts, and commanders paying attention to the safety of soldiers to provide support for the recovery of civilian areas after the typhoon passes.

The meeting was attended both online and offline by representatives from the Defense Ministry, Joint Chiefs of Staff, headquarters of military branches, and key officers from operations commands.

The meeting included a presentation on the weather forecast detailing the typhoon’s route and expected time of impact by region. It also reviewed the cases of Typhoon Sanba in 2012 and Typhoon Highsun in 2020, which had paths and central pressure similar to Khanun, to prevent similar damages.

Khanun was expected to reach the shores of Jeju in the afternoon and generate strong wind and heavy rain nationwide until the morning of August 11. In particular, since the tide is highest in August, the sea surface level may be higher than predicted and inundation may occur in low-lying ground on the coasts.

The Defense Ministry said, “Since the path of the typhoon is not fixed, we will continue monitoring weather situations and stay on guard for disasters until we are out of the typhoon impact zone by preemptively operating a disaster countermeasure center.”

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

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