Gwangjin-gu Prepares Measures for Flood Control, Heatwaves, and Health This Summer

Gwangjin-gu Prepares Sector-Specific Measures for Summer 2023

Designates a Five-Month Period from the 15th of This Month to October 15th for Implementing Summer Sector-Specific Measures

Focus on Five Key Areas: Flood Control, Heatwave, Safety, Health, and Resolution of Daily Life Inconveniences

This Year, Implements Flood Forecast and Warning System and Accompanying Partner Program for Residents Living in Semi-Basements

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is making every effort to ensure that residents can spend a healthy and safe summer by preparing the ‘2023 Summer Sector-Specific Measures.’

The district has designated a five-month period from the 15th of this month to October 15th as the implementation period for summer sector-specific measures, focusing on pre-inspections and establishing emergency systems according to weather conditions to prepare for various disasters such as floods and heatwaves.

With the goal of ‘stabilizing residents’ lives during the summer,’ the district has identified five key focus areas: ▲Flood Control ▲Heatwave ▲Safety ▲Health ▲Resolution of Daily Life Inconveniences.

First, the Flood Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is operated, led by Mayor Kim Kyung-ho as the head, and composed of 13 practical teams including the Situation Management General Team, Traffic Countermeasures Team, and Search, Rescue, and First Aid Team, taking the lead in disaster prevention and recovery measures.

In particular, this year, a flood forecast and warning system is implemented that uses CCTV to monitor flooding situations and sends disaster alert messages (CBS) to residents if risks are predicted.

Additionally, in connection with the flood forecast and warning system, the district operates an Accompanying Partner program for flood-vulnerable residents, alongside the public official care service established to prevent damage to households with a history of flooding.

Disaster and Safety Headquarters Operation

The Accompanying Partners, composed of care public officials, community leaders, and nearby residents, inspect facilities to ensure that severely disabled persons and elderly residents living in semi-basements are not affected by flooding. They respond to households under their care during flood forecasts and assist with evacuation if necessary.

Alongside this, the district operates a responsibility management system for 1,636 rainwater inlets, focusing on illegal covers and drainage conditions in residential alleyways.

A river patrol team is also operated around Jungnangcheon Stream to prevent casualties from isolation accidents caused by rising river water levels.

To prevent heatwave damage during what is expected to be a hotter summer than usual, a heatwave countermeasure team has been formed and is operating proactively.

To provide resting places for residents exhausted by the heat, 20 additional parasol shade structures and one smart shelter will be installed, expanding the total number of heatwave mitigation facilities to 161.

Furthermore, support for vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and chronic disease patients is being strengthened against heatwaves. Detailed management focuses on ▲four major care services from the Care SOS Center ▲support for cooling appliances and cooling costs for low-income households ▲expanded welfare checks and direct visits ▲operation of heatwave shelters ▲meal support for elderly at risk of malnutrition ▲health management by visiting nurses.

The district is enhancing inspections of venues such as performance halls to prevent accidents caused by large crowds and is preparing for summer safety incidents. Additionally, inspections and improvements of banner supports, streetlights, and aging security lights are being carried out to ensure a safe and pleasant walking environment.

To prevent summer diseases, the district has expanded and organized a mobile disinfection team to conduct intensive pest control in vulnerable areas. It is also making every effort to inspect facilities prone to food poisoning and to promote education and awareness for infectious disease prevention.

Safety Inspection of Steep Slopes During the Thawing Season

Along with this, a cleaning situation room is operated to respond to natural disasters such as concentrated summer rains, swiftly handling household waste to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

Moreover, water cleaning of roads, especially major and arterial roads in the area, is being expanded to cool down the heat and contribute to alleviating the urban heat island effect.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, “The district always prioritizes residents’ safety and strives in preventive activities. This summer as well, we will do our best to ensure that residents can have a healthy and safe summer through meticulous inspections and the establishment of a systematic response system.”