Operation of Communication Band for Officials and Residents, Prompt Handling of Complaints... Pre-Inspection of Facilities, Zero River Fatalities
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor You Deok-yeol) concluded the '2020 Summer Flood and Wind Disaster Prevention Comprehensive Measures,' which were implemented for about five months from May 15 to October 15, and shared the outcomes.
This year, the central region experienced the longest rainy season on record (54 days), with Dongdaemun-gu recording a cumulative rainfall of 1315mm.
To make matters worse, the area was affected by four typhoons, but thanks to the district's thorough preparation, strengthened proactive response capabilities, and active participation from residents, the situation ended without major damage.
During the measures period, the district formed a total of 13 task forces, including the ▲Situation Control Team ▲Field Recovery Team ▲Life Support Team ▲Medical Quarantine Team ▲Rescue and First Aid Team, operating the 'Flood and Wind Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters' (hereafter 'Headquarters') to oversee all flood and wind disaster-related tasks.
The 'Disaster Comprehensive Situation Room' was also operated 24 hours a day, issuing emergency measures according to the stages of weather warnings. During the period, a total of 27 emergency duties were issued (13 reinforcement, 11 level 1 (caution), 3 level 2 (alert)) to implement measures, ensuring the protection of residents' lives and property.
In particular, from July 31 to August 10, the period when heavy rain warnings were issued, the longest continuous 24-hour emergency alert system was maintained, activating an organic response system between the district office and local community centers to accurately grasp the situation and disseminate information in real time.
They also operated 'Dongdaemun Areumjigi,' a social network service for flood and wind disaster safety that allows communication between officials and residents online, posting real-time updates on disaster recovery and civil complaint handling to reduce damage.
Before the situation occurred, four pre-measure meetings and four safety inspections of vulnerable facilities were conducted. They thoroughly prepared by inspecting 8,060 key vulnerable facilities four times, including floodgates, rivers, tower cranes, retaining walls of old houses, rainwater drain covers, and shade shelters in preparation for typhoons.
Especially during this year’s rainy season, there were many days when rivers overflowed. The district pre-installed ▲automatic river entry and exit blocking facilities ▲six CCTV-equipped blocking facilities on Jungnangcheon Stream ▲34 voice guidance facilities on three rivers (Jungnangcheon, Jeongneungcheon, Seongbukcheon), organized and operated eight river patrol teams, and strengthened river control and joint patrols in cooperation with Dongdaemun Police Station to prevent casualties.
Additionally, 28 personnel intensively managed 20,045 rainwater drains, which helped prevent flooding in low-lying areas.
You Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “Despite the difficult summer with COVID-19, a long rainy season, and heavy rains overlapping, I am grateful that thanks to the thorough flood and wind disaster preparedness and communication by staff and residents, we were able to get through without major damage. We will continue to prepare thoroughly for disasters to create a safe village where residents can live with peace of mind.”
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