Ministry of Environment "Closely Monitoring Pilsunggyo and Han River Water Levels... Doing Our Best to Prevent Flood Damage"

Minister Jong-Rae Cho Holds 'Flood Response Damage Recovery Measures Meeting'
Monitoring Han River Water Levels under 'Flood Advisory'... Adjusting Dam Discharge Volume
"Will Prepare Rapid Support Measures for Special Disaster Areas"

Due to the influence of the monsoon front, heavy rain continued for the fifth consecutive day on the 6th at Paldang Dam in Hanam-si, Gyeonggi Province, where 12 out of 15 sluice gates were opened, releasing about 18,000 tons of water per second. As the increased flow from Paldang Dam affected the Han River from the morning, a flood warning was issued for Hangang Bridge at 11 a.m. / Hanam = Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] As heavy rain continues mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area and central regions, Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae held a 'Flood Response and Damage Recovery Measures Inspection Meeting' on the 6th.

At the meeting held at the Hangang Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Minister Cho urged, "Please ensure thorough safety management along with the prompt restoration of flood-affected areas such as the Hangang and Imjingang rivers."

He also stated, "Heavy rains like this can recur at any time, so sustainable flood management measures to prepare for abnormal climate conditions are necessary," and ordered related agencies to prepare detailed plans.

Regarding the capsizing accident involving a police boat on Uiamho Lake in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, he said, "Please do your best to ensure safety management to prevent accidents in dam discharge areas."

"Closely monitoring Pilsunggyo water level... Focusing on preventing flood damage"

From the 1st to the 6th, there were various flood damages caused by rain in the central region.

In particular, due to rain in the North Korean area, the water level at Pilsunggyo Bridge on the Imjingang River exceeded the interest stage level (7.5m) at around 12:14 PM on the 5th, and exceeded the caution stage level (12m) at 5:50 PM, prompting residents in downstream areas to evacuate urgently.

The Pilsunggyo water level is the northernmost point of the Imjingang River in South Korea and is the first point where flood discharge from North Korea is reflected in the water level.

The Pilsunggyo water level reached a peak of 13.1m at 8:10 PM on the 5th and has gradually decreased, recording 9.46m at 2:30 PM on the 6th. If no additional rain falls in the North Korean area, the water level is expected to decline.

The Ministry of Environment will continuously monitor the Pilsunggyo water level closely and focus on preventing damage caused by rising water levels in the Imjingang River by linking the discharge volume of the downstream Gunam Flood Control Reservoir.

On the 6th, as the water level of the Han River rises due to continuous heavy rain, employees are busily moving at the Han River Flood Control Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Hangang water level expected to remain stable... Dam discharge volume controlled

As of 2 PM on the 6th, rainfall in the metropolitan area has subsided, but due to the accumulated rain, the reservoir levels in the Namhangang and Bukhangang dam areas have increased, and a rise in the water level of the main stream of the Hangang River and some tributaries is expected due to dam gate discharge.

Due to gate discharge from Soyanggang Dam and Chungju Dam and rain overnight, a flood advisory was issued at 11 AM on the 6th at the Hangang Bridge point, the main stream of the Hangang River.

Since the reservoir levels of dams in the Hangang watershed, such as Soyanggang Dam and Chungju Dam, are high, continuous discharge of water is necessary for the time being, so the Hangang water level is expected to maintain its current state for the time being.

However, the Ministry of Environment plans to monitor the Hangang water level and adjust dam discharge volumes to prevent additional flood damage caused by rising water levels.

Regarding damage to environmental facilities, as of the 6th, the Ministry of Environment has identified that 45 water supply facilities in 9 cities and counties have been damaged. Among these, 30 facilities have been restored, and restoration is underway at 15 locations.

Additionally, restoration is in progress at 6 sewage facilities, 1 wastewater treatment facility, and 2 household waste treatment facilities.

Minister Cho stated, "Since there is a high possibility that special disaster zones will be declared in areas affected by floods, the Ministry of Environment will promptly and actively prepare support measures for the affected areas."

The Ministry of Environment plans to support restoration through national treasury funding for environmental facility damage recovery costs and flood waste disposal costs in areas designated as special disaster zones in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.