Seoul, Sep 5 (Agency) South Korea’s three major telecom operators have set up emergency measures to deal with potential network disruptions caused by Typhoon Hinnamnor, as the country braces for what could be its most powerful storm ever. Classified as a “very strong” typhoon, Hinnamnor has moved northward to reach waters off the southern island of Jeju on Monday and is expected to make landfall 80 km north-northwest of the southern port city of Busan by 9 am Tuesday, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration. Hinnamnor is expected to become the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall in South Korea, Yonhap news agency said.
The weather agency issued a heavy rain warning for all parts of the country through Tuesday. Among others, KT Corp., South Korea’s No. 1 fixed-line operator and second-largest mobile carrier, said it has established emergency situation centers against the typhoon in major cities and plans to operate them until September 13. The company has placed emergency equipment, such as power generation vehicles, indoor ventilation fans and water pumps, at major regional network centers.
The telcos are preparing to provide free Wi-Fi access and other telecom support at emergency shelters that may be established due to storm and flood damage. Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho asked broadcasters and telecom operators to work toward minimizing damage from the typhoon in their sectors, pointing out that their services are essential in people being able to contact loved ones and acquire important safety information in times of disasters. Seoul saw apocalyptic rain in August with several dead on August 8, in what was being called worst downpour in decades.