Why are ‘extreme rainfall’ events becoming more frequent after early heatwaves?

There is clear climate change behind the recent increase in heavy rainfall. In particular, with the possibility of a strong El Niño phenomenon occurring in mid-2026, concerns about heavy rainfall are growing, especially in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. As global warming increases the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, climate-crisis-type torrential rains, or extreme rainfall, which dump ‘water bombs’ on specific areas in a short period, are becoming commonplace. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, a is issued when more than 90mm of rain is expected within 3 hours or more than 180mm within 12 hours. It is a fact that extreme rainfall of over 100mm per hour, which used to occur once every few decades, is now happening almost every year.

Types of Fatal Damage Caused by Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall pours down an enormous amount of rain in a short time, causing fatal damage in various forms. The main types of damage are as follows:

• Landslides and collapse of steep slopes: Short, intense heavy rainfall weakens the ground, significantly increasing the risk of landslides. In particular, as torrential rains exceeding 50mm per hour become more frequent, the number of landslides is rapidly increasing, and the Korea Forest Service emphasizes that resident evacuation is most important in reducing casualties.
• Urban flooding and underground space flooding: Localized torrential rains that existing drainage facilities cannot handle often lead to flooding of roads, houses, and commercial areas. Special attention is required for underground spaces such as underpasses and semi-basement houses, as they can quickly fill with water, leading to casualties.
• Damage to agricultural land and infrastructure: Agricultural land is submerged or washed away, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges are damaged, causing secondary damage such as traffic paralysis.

Heavy Rainfall Preparedness for Everyone’s Safety

Preparing for unpredictable heavy rainfall is no longer an option but a golden rule. The government and local authorities are operating a summer natural disaster countermeasure period, focusing on preemptive prevention and response. Gyeonggi Province has activated a disaster response system using advanced technologies such as AI and has granted evacuation orders to eup/myeon/dong heads to strengthen on-site response capabilities. It is also important for individuals and households to check and be familiar with the following in advance:

• : Check weather information frequently through TV, radio, internet, smartphones, etc., and set up emergency disaster text message reception.
• Pre-inspect vulnerable areas: Be prepared to move to a safe place from low-lying or habitually flooded areas, landslide risk areas, and underground spaces.
• Prepare emergency supplies: Prepare emergency supplies such as emergency food, drinking water, flashlights, and first-aid kits in advance.
• Caution when driving: When it rains, visibility is reduced and roads become slippery, so maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when driving.

Heavy rainfall is no longer a distant story. It is a realistic threat that can occur around us at any time. If we all remain vigilant and thoroughly prepare in line with the efforts of the government and local authorities, we can protect precious lives and property. Safety cannot be overemphasized.

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Frankly, many people know the importance of emergency supplies but are at a loss as to where to start. It should never end with a few packs of ramen and a few bottles of water. True disaster preparedness begins with a systematic list and regular checks. In particular, a ’72-hour survival bag’ is key to enduring the golden hour for rescue after a disaster. Through this article, we will pinpoint the core of emergency supply preparation and learn how to pack a survival bag essential for our home.

Emergency Supplies: Essential List for at Least 3 Days of Survival

In an emergency, it is crucial to prepare supplies that allow you to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days, or 72 hours. This lays the foundation for you to survive until rescue teams arrive or the situation stabilizes. The following is a list of essential emergency supplies commonly recommended by various organizations, including the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• Water and Food: You should stock at least 1 gallon (about 3.78 liters) of water per person per day for 3 days or more. Prepare high-calorie emergency food that can be consumed immediately without cooking, such as canned goods and energy bars. Be careful, as foods like ramen that require a lot of water or have high sodium content can actually cause thirst.
• First-Aid Kit: Basic medicines and hygiene products such as disinfectants, fever reducers/pain relievers, digestive aids, bandages, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, and burn ointment are essential. If any family member has a chronic illness, be sure to include a week’s supply of prescription medication and regularly check and replace expiration dates.
• Other Survival Items: Include a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered radio (for receiving disaster broadcasts), a whistle, an emergency blanket, a multi-tool knife, cash (small denominations), copies of important documents (stored in a waterproof container), and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer).

Based on this list, you should immediately check the emergency supplies your family needs and fill in any deficiencies.

Packing a Survival Bag: Tips for Both Mobility and Practicality

In preparation for a situation where you might need to leave your home during a disaster, it is wise to prepare an ’emergency survival bag’ in advance. A sturdy, easy-to-carry, large-capacity backpack is suitable for a survival bag, and it is recommended to prepare a bag for each family member. Refer to the following tips when packing your bag:

• Minimize Weight and Volume: Select only necessary items and utilize compact and efficient products such as compressed food or portable water filters. Instead of heavy water bottles, it is much more practical to store several 500ml water bottles separately or prepare a portable water filter.
• Consider Seasonal Items: Blankets, extra clothes, hats, and gloves should be prepared considering the season and regional characteristics. Especially if you live in a cold region, you should pay more attention to insulation.
• Important Documents and Cash: It is essential to store important personal documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and financial account information on a USB or as copies in a waterproof container, and to prepare a small amount of cash for emergencies. The possibility of payment system disruption should always be kept in mind.

Remember to store your survival bag near the front door or in your car for easy access, and to check the expiration dates and condition of items every 6 months, replacing them as needed.

Long-Term Storage and Management of Emergency Food: Expiration Date Check is Vital

Emergency food should not simply be stockpiled but managed systematically. The key is to choose emergency food that can be stored for a long time and to meticulously check expiration dates. Here are tips for managing emergency food:

• Foods Suitable for Long-Term Storage: Foods with low moisture content that make microbial growth difficult, such as rice, dried noodles, canned goods, misutgaru (roasted grain powder), hardtack, and skim milk powder, are advantageous for long-term storage. Some compressed foods can be stored for over 5 years.
• Sealing and Storage Environment: Emergency food can have its preservation period extended by being placed in airtight containers or double zipper bags with oxygen absorbers and desiccants. It is important to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Rotation Principle: Practice ‘rotation consumption’ by periodically using emergency food for regular meals before its expiration date and replacing it with new stock. This way, you can always maintain fresh and safe emergency food.

You should develop a habit of regularly checking the expiration dates and functionality of all emergency supplies, including not only emergency food but also over-the-counter medicines and batteries, and replacing them when necessary. These small efforts make a big difference in a crisis.

Start Preparing Emergency Supplies Right Now

Even if not an extreme situation like nuclear war, natural disasters or unexpected accidents can happen at any time. Although the government’s disaster text message system is becoming more sophisticated, ultimately, protecting your own safety is most important. Based on the emergency supply preparation methods and survival bag packing tips we’ve covered today, check your home’s emergency supply list right now and fill in any deficiencies. Disaster preparedness is not an option, but a necessity. You must establish a minimum safety net for yourself and your family right now.

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