South Korea activated a Level 1 response through the Central Disaster Safety Headquarters on Friday to manage severe flooding across multiple provinces [1].

The emergency measures follow a surge in rainfall that has submerged roads and caused waterways to overflow, increasing the immediate risk of landslides and further urban flooding.

Heavy rain began falling the night before July 17, with particularly intense concentrations reported in Daegu [2]. The flooding has affected three primary regions: Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gangwon-do [3]. In Gangwon-do, disruptions were noted on National Route 31 in Sangdong-eup, Yeongwol-gun [3].

In Daegu, the Beomeo Stream overflowed, leading to submerged streets in the Sincheon-dong, Hwanggeum-dong, and Jisan-dong neighborhoods [3]. Local police have banned vehicle traffic in these affected areas to prevent accidents [4].

The Central Disaster Safety Headquarters officially began its Level 1 operations at 9 p.m. on July 17 [1]. While some reports indicated that heavy rain warnings also applied to Gyeonggi and Chungnam provinces, the primary emergency response focused on the Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gangwon-do regions [1], [3].

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung directed local governments and related agencies to strengthen their response posture. Yun said he instructed officials to maintain thorough situation management and reporting systems [1].

Local authorities continue to monitor the water levels of major streams as the rainfall persists. Police officers remain on-site to enforce traffic bans and ensure public safety in the submerged districts [4].

“The Central Disaster Safety Headquarters officially began its Level 1 operations at 9 p.m. on July 17.”

The activation of a Level 1 response signifies a transition from local management to a coordinated national effort. By centralizing the command through the Central Disaster Safety Headquarters, the government aims to mitigate 'secondary disasters'—such as landslides—that often follow initial urban flooding in South Korea's mountainous and river-dense terrain.