Changma (Monsoon Season)

This article is from the 2ID web page.  It is from 2009. However I think it helps us to be prepared for this coming season.  I suggest you pack your rain boots and coats.  If you didn't bring them Amazon.com has some good prices on boots.

Many 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers, like people in other walks of life, appreciate the natural beauty of lightning, thunder and torrential rain turning calm waters into a rapid river. It is powerful to watch amazing light come out of a dark sky and strike with electrifying command over all that it touches. One strike of lightning can split a tree down the middle or make the hair literally stand up on your head.

The season of potential inundation in Korea is known as the "Changma" -- continuous rain period, or monsoon. It lasts from the end of June through early September of each year.


On Camp Red Cloud, water levels in the drainage trenches rose precipitously during several heavy rainstorms, washing away all of the cigarette butts that had been carelessly flung into the trenches, along with tree limbs and any other debris that had fallen in. A small, gentle stream of water usually flows through the trenches; but after five inches of rain in just a few hours, this small amount of water becomes a gushing, muddy river, its force only constrained by the concrete barriers to each side.

It is the small trenches and "turtle ditches" that sometimes overflow. These ditches vary in size and shape, generally following the path of a road or sidewalk. Some turtle ditches are covered with cement, so pedestrians can walk on top of them; others are open, and can represent a hazard, particularly when gushing waters add to the risks of an open ditch.

Now what does everybody do when the rain begins to rapidly fall and there is no end in site? Commanders execute crisis action measures, known in safety circles as "CAMs," in response to the current weather situation. Public notification campaigns will communicate threats to life, property and equipment through AFKN TV, radio and the commercial access channel.

Within the Warrior Division footprint, flood CAMs planned by 2nd ID staff also take effect. When the average Soldier or civilian at work, on mission, in quarters or at home receives notification of an emergency, there are Soldiers already working behind the scenes to assure our safety.

If you're at a training range when "FLOODCON" status is identified, cease fire, move to higher ground and safeguard government equipment. Fill all water cans and water buffalos with potable water, and position them in unit areas. Check generators, perform any necessary maintenance on them and position them in unit areas.

Quick reaction forces for weather emergencies are designated. Evacuations, establishment of observation points, setting up of signal nodes and coordination for lodging of stranded Soldiers all takes place. Communication with the National Disaster Coordination Center also takes place. Implementation of CAMS is a joint decision of the 2nd ID chief of staff, Area 1 commander and Area III commander.

And finally, we must all do our part by supporting our command and remembering to cooperate with and thank emergency response personnel for the hard work, preparation and trouble that they go through to make sure we are safe. Just as commanders and leaders conduct timely reconnaissance and risk assessments of training areas prior to using them, we can also prepare for extreme weather conditions and become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Individual Soldiers and Family members must do their part and minimize their chances of becoming a casualty – otherwise they not only endanger themselves but require emergency personnel to divert precious energy and resources to them.

Stock up and keep at least one week's worth of food and living supplies (like toiletries, hygiene items and special medications) in your home or quarters. Restrict vehicle travel during heavy monsoon-season rains and avoid parking a vehicle along streams or washes. Remember that six inches of fast running water can knock an individual off his feet.

Even if you think a body of water is safe to cross in a vehicle, bear in mind there could have been damage to the surface, particularly on secondary roads. The road surface could have washed away, and all of the sudden what appears to be six inches of water could be a foot. Monitor a good source of news and information, and when you have been advised to evacuate you should do so immediately and not wait. Even if the rain stops, it could be raining upstream from your location.

Division leaders and leaders throughout the military have learned from experiences during previous monsoon seasons and from natural disasters in general. This bolsters their experience and understanding as well as their determination to prevent future losses. All members of the 2nd ID team, Soldiers, Family members, KATUSAs, government civilians and contractors alike, should embrace that commitment.

Lightning, thunder, floods and winds are powerful and beautiful to observe from a distance – but they are extremely persuasive and perilous when they come close.