South Korea will launch a three-day nationwide exercise Wednesday to prepare to effectively address disasters such as earthquakes, storms and floods.

On the first day of the exercise, 117 local governments across the nation will hold mock drills against typhoons, heavy rains, landslides and flooding.

South Koreans will be urged to participate in a 20-minute antiearthquake drill at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

People in 34 coastal regions, including Jeju Island, will hold a drill to evacuate in the case of an earthquake or a tsunami.

Meanwhile, a complex disaster response exercise in preparation for a radioactive leak will be held in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province.

On Friday, a comprehensive antiterrorism drill will be held to ensure the successful hosting of the Expo 2012, which opens in May in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.