Typhoon Saomai likely to damage crops

Due to the influence of the 14th Typhoon Saomai, strong winds and heavy rainfall of up to 200 millimeters are expected to hit the entire country until September 15, possibly causing extensive damage to crops and farmland.

In particular, as typhoon Saomai is moving slowly and has a radius of 600 kilometers, it is feared that the typhoon will extend its influence until September 16 according to the region. This has created an emergency situation in the harvest of agricultural products, which have already suffered considerable damage from previous typhoons that raked the country.

According to the National Disaster Prevention and Countermeasures Headquarters on September 14, all flights at four local airports -- Yeosu, Mokpo, Sokcho and Pohang -- were cancelled, and 113 out of 149 liners plying 86 out of 149 sea routes suspended operations for two to four days. As a result, tens of thousands of people visiting their hometowns on the Chuseok Holidays have been left stranded.

In addition, some 16,600 vacationers and alpinists are stuck at beach resorts and on mountains. A total of 43 spots in national parks, including Mt. Halla and Mt. Jiri, are restricted. In addition, more than 64,400 fishing boats are taking shelter in ports across the country.

The anti-disaster headquarters has ordered local administrations to strengthen checks and supervision of vulnerable places prone to landslides, as well as embankments, and strive to prevent damage to crops.

Choi Sung-Jin choi@donga.com