SEOUL, Heavy rain soaked much of the nation Tuesday and more is forecast for later in the day, the state weather agency said. Around 30 to 80 millimeters of rain was expected in the greater Seoul area, 30 to 80 mm in the Jeolla Provinces, and 10 to 80 mm in the Gyeongsang Provinces until Wednesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The KMA issued a heavy rain advisory across Seoul as of 9 a.m. A heavy rain advisory is issued when rainfall is expected to exceed 60 mm in three hours or 110 mm in 12 hours. The interior ministry activated the Level 1 operation of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters as of 7:30 a.m. to respond to the heavy rains, and elevated the warning level to "caution." Interior Minister Lee Sang-min ordered that places at risk of flooding, including near streams, underpasses, and parking lots, be cordoned off and passersby be guided for detours in order to prevent any human casualties. Lee ordered that residents in vulnerable areas be he lped to flee for safety in advance and the speedy evacuation of those living in semi-basement housings at risk of being inundated. He also instructed to swiftly send emergency texts and alarms to people to inform them of any updates to the situation. Source: Yonhap News Agency