Why Did Choi Hogwon, Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor, Demonstrate 'Successful Leadership' in Disasters Like Cold Waves, Heavy Snow, and Fires?

Mayor Choi's Thorough Preparation for Major Winter Disasters Such as Cold Waves, Heavy Snow, and Fires... Strengthening Support for Heating Supplies and Welfare Checks for Vulnerable Groups Against Cold Waves... Securing Personnel and Completing Equipment Inspections Ahead of Heavy Snow... Installing Additional Equipment Including 300 Fire Extinguishers in Vulnerable Areas for Fire Preparedness... Successfully Responded to Apartment Fire 19 Days After Taking Office in July, the Heaviest Rainfall in 115 Years, and November Heavy Rain, Earning Reputation as a 'District Mayor with Crisis-Resilient Leadership'

On the 29th of last month, Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District (right), overseeing the safety of homeless people around Yeongdeungpo Station.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Choi Ho-kwon, the mayor of Yeongdeungpo District Office, is heightening vigilance to protect residents' safety from winter disasters such as cold waves, heavy snowfall, and fires.

Since his inauguration in July, Mayor Choi has been praised as a "district mayor with strong leadership in crises" for successfully responding to incidents such as an apartment fire that occurred just 19 days after his appointment, the heaviest rainfall in 115 years, and the concentrated rains in November.

This is attributed to his seasoned on-site management based on his public service experience and his special efforts in prevention. His approach is known to be based on his firm belief that "public officials are the last line of defense in protecting the lives and property of residents."

Recently, he has been taking swift steps to prepare for various winter disasters.

First, to prepare for the cold wave, an emergency system was activated, including the Cold Wave Situation Management T/F Team and the Cold Wave Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. To help vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, homeless people, and residents of jjokbangchon (small-room villages), heating supplies were provided and welfare checks were strengthened. Additionally, 22 cold wave shelters, 28 warming tents, and 10 heated chairs were installed and are now fully operational.

In particular, to protect the homeless who are most vulnerable to cold waves, emergency shelters including 4 emergency relief rooms and 30 emergency jjokbang rooms have been provided, and a homeless street counseling team operates 24 hours a day, showing meticulous efforts.

On the evening of November 29, amid a cold wave advisory, Mayor Choi visited sites such as Yeongdeungpo Station, Yeongdeungpo Park, and under the overpass with the homeless street counseling team and related personnel to check on the safety of the homeless. On December 16, he visited the jjokbangchon area around Yeongdeungpo Station with Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to communicate with residents and inspect the preparedness of cold wave shelters.

Regarding heavy snowfall, efforts are focused on proactive response. The Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters operates a 24-hour situation management system, dedicating significant effort to securing de-icing agents and inspecting equipment in advance.

Especially, automatic brine spraying devices have been installed at vulnerable locations such as the Yeongdeungpo Station overpass, Yeongdeungpo underpass, and the hill road in front of Shingil Xi Apartments. For hill roads and side streets, private companies are utilized to ensure rapid snow removal operations.

Furthermore, a close cooperative system has been established with the private sector as well as military and police forces. Agreements have been signed to deploy 155 private equipment units in emergencies, and consultations regarding military personnel and police support have been completed.

Preparations for fire-prone areas also seem to be nearly complete. Areas with narrow alleys where fire trucks have difficulty passing and old houses closely packed together are at high risk of large fires from even small sparks. Therefore, a project to install additional firefighting equipment in vulnerable areas is underway.

Choi Ho-kwon, Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor, installing a fire extinguisher for throwing in Yangpyeong District 14

On November 22, Mayor Choi visited Yangpyeong 14 District, where public redevelopment is underway, to assist with the installation of fire extinguishers. This installation followed concerns raised during the mayor’s on-site inspection on October 26 about the high risk of casualties and large-scale accidents in case of fire. The installed equipment includes 120 throwable fire extinguishers, 56 spray fire extinguishers, and 36 fire detectors.

Additionally, 104 throwable fire extinguishers were installed in the popular restaurant street near the Mullae-dong ironworks area, and visible fire extinguishers were added in Dorim-dong and Dangsan 1-dong areas to ensure thorough fire preparedness.

Choi Ho-kwon, mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, “Protecting the lives and property of residents is the most fundamental and important task of local governments. We will do our best to ensure that all residents can live with peace of mind this winter through thorough preparation.”

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