South Korea to overhaul its alert system after erroneous alert in Seoul

ANKARA

South Korea announced on Thursday that it will overhaul its emergency messaging system, a day after Seoul issued an erroneous alert about North Korea's attempt to launch a satellite, advising citizens to prepare for evacuation, but was later retracted by the Interior Ministry.

The decision comes after an erroneous alert was issued in the capital Seoul on Wednesday following North Korea’s botched launch of a military spy satellite, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

South Korean authorities had asked citizens to prepare for evacuation after issuing an incorrect alert, which was later retracted by the Interior Ministry.

The government has asked the officials involved to explain the gaffe.

"The government will improve the current warning system and next will provide details to citizens in case of issuing any alert, so they could respond calmly," the news agency reported, quoting an unnamed official.

On Wednesday, North Korea launched its new type of satellite carrier rocket "Chollima-1," which crashed into the West Sea of Korea. It triggered a strong reaction from Seoul, Japan, the UN, and US.

However, Pyongyang said on Thursday that the second launch will take place "very soon in the near future."

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid