S. Korea's PM Orders Measures to Minimize Damage from Heavy Rains in South

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Tuesday ordered thorough measures to minimize any damage from heavy rains expected to hit southern parts of the country, including the island of Jeju. In the emergency order, Kim directed officials to make sure that evacuation and safety measures be in place for those living in low-lying areas and regions vulnerable to landslides, and that there be no blind spots left behind. Kim also ordered officials to significantly step up monitoring of dangerous areas, and preemptively enforce evacuations and restrict access in case of danger, while actively using emergency text messages and other means of communication to inform people of weather conditions and safety guidelines promptly. Kim also said that civil servants, forestry and fire officials, and police should exchange related information in real time and cooperate closely when enforcing evacuations and access controls.