Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam: "Early Evacuation Even if Excessive is the Way to Prevent Casualties"

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, emphasized the need for preventive measures against heavy rain damage during the heads of departments meeting on the 17th.

Governor Park said, “Evacuating residents in landslide-prone areas early, even to an extent that might seem excessive, is crucial to preventing casualties.”

He also stated, “There must be no gaps in inspecting underground facilities such as underground shopping centers and parking lots, and in early blocking measures to prevent flooding.”

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is leading the meeting of department and bureau heads. [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Governor Park encouraged public officials who worked hard to prevent major damage from this heavy rain.

“Disasters occur unexpectedly and are difficult to predict, so if no public officials are present on site, prevention is impossible,” he said. “When heavy rain pours, it is necessary for the responsible local officials to thoroughly check patrol situations on site and actively cooperate with related agencies such as the police and fire departments to take preemptive measures.”

Regarding the “Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management,” which passed the National Assembly in May and is set to be enforced in August, he said, “Considering the severity of the damage caused by this heavy rain, the government should also consider retroactively applying provisions that support disaster damage for small business owners.”

Governor Park also spoke about the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam (Bu-Ul-Gyeong) Economic Alliance.

He said, “The Bu-Ul-Gyeong Economic Alliance is smoothly promoting joint projects among the three cities and provinces with a small workforce in a short period, showing efficiency and results beyond those of a special union that requires massive manpower and finances.” He added, “We will continue to maintain a partnership relationship that allows Bu-Ul-Gyeong to develop together through ongoing management.”

He also mentioned, “We are approaching various pending issues and central government public project designations, such as the establishment of the Space and Aviation Agency, the creation of a semiconductor specialized complex, designation of glocal universities, and attracting regional medical schools.” He emphasized, “Relevant departments must visit central government ministries and related agencies to make every effort together to ensure Gyeongnam is designated.”

Regarding the president’s recent visit to Poland and Ukraine last week, where cooperation plans on nuclear power and defense industries were discussed, he called for follow-up coordination with central government ministries and efforts by the provincial government.

Governor Park said, “The Gimhae Tourism Distribution Complex development project has not been completed for 27 years and only commercial facilities benefiting the business operator are currently operating.” He urged, “Please carefully ensure that additional projects such as hotels and theme parks, which the business operator promised to proceed with, are carried out as agreed.”

He continued, “At the first mayor and county governor policy meeting of 2023, mayors and county governors proposed suggestions for the development of Gyeongnam. These should be carefully managed so that the province and cities/counties can move forward together.”

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