Yongsan District Launches Wind and Flood Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters

13 Working Groups, 24-Hour Operations for Five Months

Yongsan District, Seoul (District Mayor Park Heeyoung), announced on the 17th that it officially launched its "Wind and Flood Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters" with an opening ceremony held on the 6th floor disaster situation room of the district office on the 15th, thereby activating a full-scale summer response system.

Scene from the comprehensive flood and wind disaster drill conducted last April. Provided by Yongsan District Office.

The Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters consists of 13 working groups and will be operated around the clock in accordance with a six-level emergency work protocol from May 15 to October 15, which is the designated flood control period.

With this summer expected to see higher temperatures and heavier rainfall than usual, alongside frequent localized torrential downpours, the district has further strengthened its response capabilities. First, it inspected sewer facilities, dredged 17,200 stormwater inlets, and cleaned 10 kilometers of sewer pipelines. In addition, 2,204 manhole fall prevention devices were maintained. The district also introduced "area-customized stormwater inlets" tailored for local characteristics, such as commercial districts, schools, and subway stations, and inspected 565 drainage-related equipment, replacing 22 aging units.

The field response system was also enhanced. In April, the district conducted integrated support headquarters operation training using a disaster field command bus, as well as citizen rescue drills for isolated individuals. Additionally, 113 flood-prevention sandbag stations were pre-positioned in areas with steep slopes. Two stormwater pumping stations, Bogwang and Wonhyo, located near flood-prone areas, were designated as flood control bases to improve initial response capabilities.

The protection system for disaster-vulnerable residents was also reinforced. For 51 disaster-prone households, such as those in low-lying areas, 54 "Companion Partners"—comprised of care officials and residents—have been assigned to provide rapid evacuation support in emergencies. The district also maintains a constant emergency communication system with relevant agencies such as the police, fire department, and military units.

Flood control infrastructure has also been expanded. In six low-lying alleyways, an "Internet of Things (IoT) radar-based flood warning system" has been installed to monitor real-time road water levels and guide evacuations through sirens, voice announcements, and text messages. Flood prevention facilities for semi-basement homes have been installed in 3,114 households to date, with an additional 500 households to be equipped this year. Maintenance of the drainage system and road resurfacing work for the Itaewon underpass is scheduled for completion in June.

District Mayor Park Heeyoung stated, "As unpredictable, localized heavy rain becomes increasingly frequent due to climate change, thorough preemptive preparation and swift on-site response are essential. Centered around the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, we will work closely with relevant agencies to do our utmost to protect the lives and safety of our residents."

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