Preventing Flood Damage Without Gaps… Yeongdeungpo-gu Pilots Portable and Mobile Water Barriers
Preparing for Unexpected Flooding in Semi-basement Houses and More… Autonomous Disaster Prevention Teams Formed in 5 Districts
20 Portable and 135 Mobile Water Barriers Deployed at Community Service Centers, Flood Response Units, and Apartment Complexes
Demonstration Held on April 7… Implementing Thorough Flood Prevention Measures for a Safe Yeongdeungpo
Yeongdeungpo-gu (Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it will pilot the use of portable and mobile water barriers to swiftly respond to unexpected flood damage in semi-basement houses, commercial areas, underground parking lots, and more.
The district plans to pre-position 20 portable water barriers and 135 mobile water barriers at community service centers, flood response units, and apartment complexes. The pilot operation of portable and mobile water barriers is a collaborative project between Seoul City and autonomous districts, being implemented in Yeongdeungpo-gu as well as Gwanak-gu, Dongjak-gu, Seocho-gu, and Gangnam-gu.
The portable water barrier is a 50cm high, 10m long pocket dam that naturally unfolds due to rainwater without requiring special installation work and acts as a stable temporary dam in any terrain through its own water pressure.
The mobile water barrier is a fence-type barrier measuring 55cm wide, 68cm deep, and 72cm high, which can be immediately deployed according to on-site conditions such as localized heavy rain. Compared to sandbags, it is easier to carry and allows for quick installation and removal.
First, in Shingil 5 and 6-dong and Daerim 1, 2, and 3-dong, where flood damage was severe last year, autonomous disaster prevention teams consisting of three residents each have been formed. These teams will efficiently and safely install the portable and mobile water barriers stored at the community service centers. Each autonomous disaster prevention team member will receive a modest activity allowance up to three times and will be covered by accident insurance. In June, a joint flood response drill using the portable and mobile water barriers is scheduled to take place.
The flood response unit stores the portable and mobile water barriers in warehouses or vehicles, and apartment complexes keep them at their management offices. In case of emergencies in flood-prone areas, the barriers can be immediately deployed for use.
Earlier, the district held a field demonstration of portable and mobile water barriers on April 7 near Guro 1-gyo in Daerim 2-dong in cooperation with Seoul City. The event was attended by 19 officials and 34 related personnel from five participating autonomous districts, Seoul Metro, Seoul Facilities Corporation, Seoul Metro Line 9, and Ui-Sinseol Light Rail Transit Operation. The drill simulated blocking rainwater inflow and securing golden evacuation time in locations such as semi-basement houses, underground parking lots, underground shopping areas, and residential alley entrances.
Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “The operation of portable and mobile water barriers during heavy rain is expected to more promptly prevent flood damage in semi-basement houses and underground shopping areas,” adding, “We will create a safe Yeongdeungpo that prioritizes the lives and property of residents through thorough flood prevention measures.”
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