South Korean Prime Minister Inspects Flood-Prone Residential Areas... Urges 'Full-Scale Response'

Inspecting Flood-Prone Residential Areas for Water Barriers and Equipment
"No Casualties Allowed, Full Effort to Protect Families Like Our Own"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited flood-prone residential areas and urged a full-scale response to prevent any casualties.

On the 11th, Prime Minister Han inspected the installation status of flood barriers in the residential area around Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. He emphasized, "Above all, there must be no casualties in underground spaces such as semi-basement houses." He also instructed Seoul and Mapo-gu officials present at the site to continuously check whether the flood barriers are properly installed to function effectively in dangerous situations and to actively guide residents on how to use them. For semi-basement houses where the installation of flood barriers is delayed due to opposition from homeowners, he also urged securing portable and movable flood barriers.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited a flood-prone residential area in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 11th to inspect flood prevention measures and check the status of water barrier installations. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han expressed gratitude to the 'Companion Partners' who support the swift evacuation of households vulnerable to flooding and disasters. The Companion Partners, first operated last year, are a resident collaboration group composed of local neighborhood leaders, nearby residents, and public officials familiar with the local situation. Han ordered Seoul to provide sufficient budget and equipment to ensure that Companion Partners can operate without inconvenience, emphasizing, "Respond with full effort as if protecting your own family."

Prime Minister Han visited the Eunpyeong Fire Station in Seoul to receive a briefing on emergency rescue measures related to flood and water disaster preparedness. Since the heavy rain in Seoul in 2022, the Fire Agency has increased the number of 'Korean-style fire pump trucks,' which operate when roads are flooded just 1 meter deep, to four units, deployed across the east, west, south, and north of Seoul. One of these is stationed at the Eunpyeong Fire Station. This special vehicle, combining a generator and a drainage truck, can pump 1,200 liters of water per minute and provide immediate power supply to 80 households.

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