The Ministry of Environment announced its plan to launch an AI-powered early warning system for floods starting in May, ahead of this year's summer flood season, in a bid to enhance public safety.

The announcement comes in the wake of deadly floods last year, which saw the inundation of an underpass in the city of Osong, North Chungcheong Province, resulting in 14 fatalities.

"To ensure a golden time for the prevention of casualties through 'smart forecasting,' we will expand the deployment of artificial intelligence forecasting across the country beginning with this year's flood season," Environment Minister Han Hwa-jin said during a briefing held under embargo on Thursday.

"In the case of flooding, we will offer location-specific messages and navigation guidance services to both residents in flood-prone areas and vehicles (passing through the area)."

In the event of an emergency, an alert will automatically be sent to relevant response organizations such as local government deputy heads, and fire and police officials so that a flood response group may be formed, according to the Environment Ministry.

The number of alert points will increase from the current number of 75 to 223, as the systems will be installed near large rivers nationwide, as well as by streams and tributaries.

Infrastructure for preventing floods will also be installed as new dams will be built across 10 different locations. Tributaries and rainwater tunnels in cities will also undergo maintenance.

The plan was part of the ministry's major policy initiative for 2024. This year, the Environment Ministry will focus on three key areas -- public safety, future growth engines and environmental services.

The ministry said it will also work to strengthen national competitiveness by encouraging a carbon-neutral and circular economy.

The ministry will support up to 127.7 billion won ($95.6 million) to install and replace greenhouse gas reduction facilities to reduce companies' emissions.

Recycling standards such as used electric vehicle batteries and cooking oil waste will also be established to promote circular utilization.

This year, the ministry also aims to promote green industries as a future growth engine, as it will expand its investment in green industries by 4.7 trillion won and achieve a cumulative total of 30 trillion won within the current government’s term.

By investing in green industries, the ministry will also contribute to revitalizing local economies by creating three Green Convergence Clusters in the cities of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Provinc; Haenam, South Jeolla Province; and Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, by 2028. Each cluster will focus on different environmental assets depending on the surrounding environment.

Exports made by green industries are expected to increase by 10 percent each year, to earn up to 22 trillion won this year. In 2023, the ministry earned up to 20 trillion won and aims to earn up to 100 trillion won within the current government’s term.