South Korean President Orders Heavy Rain Preparations Ahead of July Monsoon

President Lee Jae Myung instructed the government Thursday to prepare for heavy rains and stressed that local governments on the front line are equally important. Yonhap reported that Lee gave the order during a meeting with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae ahead of the annual monsoon season this month. "Rainy season in July is unusual and could lead to extreme heavy rains like a monster," he said.

"Thorough readiness is needed. " Lee called for preemptive checks on landslide-prone areas, semi-basement houses, construction sites and other vulnerable facilities. The instruction came at a time when many local administrations have undergone leadership changes following the June 3 local elections.