We Must Protect Residents Better... Gyeongnam Province Completely Overhauls Natural Disaster Response System

Nationwide First Among Metropolitan Local Governments, Establishment of City and County Situation Management Teams, etc.

Improvements in the emergency duty system for natural disaster response in Gyeongsangnam-do.
[Image source=Gyeongsangnam-do]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, has ordered a complete overhaul of the natural disaster preparedness and response system.

On the 18th, Governor Park instructed, "Improve the shortcomings of the natural disaster preparedness and response system revealed during the response to Typhoon Hinnamnor this summer, and prepare special measures for future disaster situations."

He requested, "Reconfirm the interdepartmental cooperation system so that it can be operated seamlessly according to the manual in actual situations, and expand a practical system to ensure immediate and efficient response in crisis situations."

Accordingly, Gyeongnam Province will ▲ establish a city/county situation management team for close situation management and rapid response measures between cities and counties ▲ strengthen the related agencies team to build an organic cooperation system with nine institutions including the Army 39th Division and the National Police Agency.

The number of personnel on duty at each emergency stage will increase from the previous 39 to a maximum of 122, and the provincial on-site situation managers will be reinforced from one team of 36 people to two teams of 72 people.

▲ Strengthen and operate a media response team for public safety promotion ▲ Establish a disaster response system centered on department heads to enhance pre-disaster prevention and emergency recovery are also planned.

The province plans to continuously monitor and improve errors in the disaster response manual and the effectiveness of its operation during disaster situations to enhance the effectiveness of the response system.

A provincial official explained, "The city/county situation management team, introduced for the first time among metropolitan local governments nationwide, will comprehensively manage disaster situations in cities and counties, including damage status, pre-evacuation of residents, and control status of risk areas," adding, "This will enable the establishment of an organic disaster response system and field-centered situation management."

Governor Park said, "Through a complete overhaul of the natural disaster preparedness and response system, we will do our best to minimize damage to residents' lives and property by actively conducting pre-evacuation and risk area control through rapid response with cities and counties."

He continued, "If an ultra-powerful typhoon like Hinnamnor approaches in the future, we hope residents will follow the pre-control measures of the province and cities/counties and actively cooperate with evacuation efforts."