South Korea: Typhoon Haishen to impact southern and eastern areas September 7 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Haishen entered the Korean Strait on Monday, September 7, having passed through southern Japan. Haishen is forecast to weaken slightly as it approaches but was forecast to begin impacting the southern island of Jeju from Sunday night, September 6. The storm system was originally forecast to make landfall on South Gyeongsang province on Monday and track over the center of the peninsula, but according to the Korean Meteorological Administration's (KMA's) latest forecast, the typhoon may not make direct landfall at all, with the center of the storm passing just east of Busan. Heavy rains and strong winds are still expected as the storm passes, especially in eastern areas. Rough seas are expected around Jeju and in southern and eastern coastal regions. The Korea Forest Service has raised its landslide alert to its highest level for Busan, Ulsan, and Jeju, and for South Gyeongsang, North Gyeongsang, Gangwon, and South Joella provinces.

The impact of the storm system is expected to compound the situation in areas still recovering from Typhoon Maysak, which made landfall on Thursday, September 3, near Busan. The powerful typhoon left two people dead and three others injured, as well as damaging hundreds of properties. Over 120,000 households on Jeju Island and in Busan and South Gyeongsang provinces suffered power outages.

Strong winds, heavy rains, and rough seas are to be expected during the passing of the storm and resultant flooding, landslides, infrastructural damage, and disruptions are possible in southern and eastern areas in the near term.

Context

Tropical storms can form in the Pacific Ocean at any time of year, although most typhoons occur during a peak season between June and November. In general, storm systems make landfall along South Korea's southern and southeastern coasts, making these areas, which are home to many industrial and port facilities, particularly at risk of experiencing the full brunt of storms or typhoons. The country has comprehensive and reliable weather tracking and emergency management systems, although powerful storm systems can overwhelm preparedness and recovery programs.

Advice

Those in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous. Never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.