Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam, Visits Miryang: "Protecting Residents' Lives and Property is the Top Priority"

Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su visited Samrangjin Bridge in Miryang, where a flood advisory was issued, on the 16th.

According to Gyeongnam Province, the flood advisory level at the Samrangjin Bridge point is 5m, and the flood warning level is 7m, with the current level exceeding 5m.

Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su (right) is inspecting the flood preparedness situation at Samrangjin Bridge in Miryang.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Governor Park received a report on the response to heavy rain and flood advisories from Miryang Mayor Park Il-ho and inspected the river water level and surrounding safety facilities.

He visited temporary shelters such as Namchon Senior Center and Bubuk-myeon Chunhwa Church to comfort evacuated residents and check the damage situation and necessary support measures.

In the area affected by the wildfire in Chunhwa-ri, Bubuk-myeon, which occurred in May last year, he rechecked the progress of landslide damage countermeasures.

Governor Park said, “The cumulative rainfall in Gyeongnam Province has exceeded 300mm so far,” adding, “We prioritize the safety of residents even with additional rainfall and have instructed the evacuation of residents in expected damage areas assuming the worst-case scenario.”

He continued, “Although living in temporary shelters may be inconvenient, we will mobilize all administrative power to minimize discomfort and help residents return to their daily lives quickly,” and said, “All staff should prioritize protecting the lives and property of residents and devote all efforts to responding to this heavy rain.”

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province (center) is reviewing the landslide response plan for the wildfire-affected area in Bubuk-myeon, Miryang City, together with Mayor Park Ilho of Miryang City (left).
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

Due to rising water levels and concerns about flooding damage, Executive Vice Governor Choi Man-rim visited Yangsan Baenaegol Valley and landslide-prone areas in Gimhae to inspect the sites.

After receiving reports on response situations from local governments, Vice Governor Choi checked ▲ risk factors in landslide-prone areas ▲ occurrence of erosion or collapse ▲ evacuation sites and evacuation officers, and urged caution regarding downstream flooding and safety accidents.

Since 7:30 p.m. on the 15th, Gyeongnam Province has entered Level 2 emergency duty at the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to respond to the heavy rain warning.

From the 11th to the present, a total of 3,550 landslide-prone sites have been specially inspected, and vehicle traffic and access to 229 locations such as riverside parking lots, near rivers, and roads have been preemptively restricted.

As of 7 p.m. on the 16th, 252 people from 188 households in 14 cities and counties were evacuated from landslide and flood risk areas to senior centers, village halls, and lodging facilities.

Blankets, food and beverages, emergency relief kits, and cooking relief kits were prepared at the shelters.

A provincial official said, “We are closely monitoring the heavy rain situation without missing any developments,” adding, “We are establishing a close response system with cities, counties, and related agencies to ensure that resident evacuation and recovery measures are carried out promptly.”