Gwanak-gu, Successful Disaster Response System Overhaul Ensures '24-Hour Safety'

Selected as an 'Outstanding Autonomous District' for Operating the Integrated Support Headquarters in 2023 among Seoul's Autonomous Districts... Complete Overhaul of Disaster Management System with 24-Hour Disaster Safety Situation Room and Establishment of 'Disaster Response Team'... Rapid Response to Damage from Landslides, Retaining Wall Collapse Risks, Fires, and More

Last August, Park Jun-hee, the mayor of Gwanak-gu, conducted an emergency on-site inspection of construction sites in the area in preparation for the northward approach of Typhoon 'Khanun'.

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee)’s ‘Integrated Support Headquarters’ is attracting attention for its swift and outstanding disaster response capabilities.

The Integrated Support Headquarters is an emergency response organization established to protect the safety of residents in the event of a disaster. It shares information with related departments and affiliated organizations to carry out tasks such as on-site safety measures, sending safety alert messages, and managing disaster victims.

First, to operate the Integrated Support Headquarters efficiently and manage disaster safety situations, the district newly established a 24-hour Disaster Safety Situation Room on May 15.

From this location, the district uses closed-circuit television (CCTV), disaster safety communication networks, and the national disaster management system to promptly share information with the Seoul Metropolitan Disaster Safety Situation Room and related organizations.

Additionally, on July 1, the district reorganized its structure to create a ‘Disaster On-site Response Team,’ strengthening the 24-hour disaster safety situation management system.

In particular, the establishment of the ‘Disaster On-site Response Team’ is especially significant as it reflects the district’s strong determination to completely overhaul the disaster management system from a post-recovery focus to one centered on disaster prevention and initial response.

The district conducts education and training for specialized personnel to operate the Integrated Support Headquarters swiftly and accurately, doing its utmost to protect the precious lives and property of residents.

In fact, during this year’s heavy rains, the Integrated Support Headquarters, upon receiving reports of soil runoff accidents in landslide-prone areas, immediately relayed the information to relevant departments. Through rapid responses such as reinforcing sandbags and maintaining rainwater drains, they prevented the soil runoff from escalating into a major disaster.

Moreover, in situations involving risks of retaining wall collapse and fires, the district prioritized residents’ safety and made every effort to minimize damage.

Recognizing these efforts, the district was recently honored as an ‘Excellent Autonomous District’ in the operation of the Integrated Support Headquarters among Seoul’s autonomous districts in 2023.

This selection was based on ▲the number of personnel completing Integrated Support Headquarters training ▲cooperation and participation rates in Seoul city-led drills ▲capability enhancement achievements such as conducting internal training and creating manuals ▲and actual performance in operating the Integrated Support Headquarters during real disaster situations.

Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, stated, “Prevention and swift initial response are the most important aspects of disaster management. Going forward, Gwanak-gu will unite all employees and devote full efforts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect the property and safety of our residents.”

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