Minimizing Disaster Damage, Zero Human Casualties
Special On-Site Inspection of Okam Underpass...Pre-Check of Drainage Facility Maintenance
Mokpo City in Jeonnam held a resolution meeting on the 20th to mobilize all employees in preparation for disaster response such as heavy rain.
According to the city, this resolution was prepared to prevent flooding accidents in underground passages that have recently occurred and to raise awareness of safety among all employees.
At the meeting, Mayor Park Hong-ryul emphasized, “The Osong underground passage accident was not caused by a sudden collapse of the embankment or soil, but there were gradual signs beforehand,” adding, “If such a situation is discovered, immediate response is required, and the police station and fire station must be contacted promptly to prevent accidents.”
He also stated, “Although the Okam underground passage is shorter than the Osong underground passage where the accident occurred, there must be no complacency about safety. We are reviewing the installation of a flood prevention system at the entrance of the Okam underground passage through securing special grants,” and urged, “Please thoroughly check the response measures for heavy rain and analyze disaster accident cases to perfectly prepare for the upcoming summer disasters.”
Mokpo City has made a full commitment to disaster response, including heavy rain. [Photo by Mokpo City]
On that day, the city showed a video to all employees about nationwide damage caused by heavy rain, disaster response procedures, and measures to cope with heavy rain to achieve zero disaster damage and build a safe city, Mokpo.
Additionally, the attending public officials pledged to strengthen safety while shouting slogans to take the lead in building a safe city, Mokpo, through disaster prevention.
On the previous day, the 19th, Mayor Park Hong-ryul and related officials conducted a special on-site inspection of the Okam underground passage and others.
They conducted a test operation to check for any problems in the drainage facilities inside the Okam underground passage and made every effort to thoroughly prepare and reorganize against flooding accidents by inspecting drainage channels and other potential issues.
Going forward, the city plans to maintain an emergency contact system with nearby police stations and related organizations to control vehicle entry in case of emergency situations with hourly rainfall exceeding 50mm and to proactively respond to emergencies.
Since the heavy rain began on the 15th, Mokpo City has experienced various damages such as road flooding, but no casualties have occurred. A total of 44 heavy rain damage reports were received during this period, and most have been resolved.
Before the heavy rain started, the city inspected disaster-prone areas and conducted pre-monitoring activities to prevent disasters. With the issuance of heavy rain warnings, half of all employees worked shifts to conduct patrols in dangerous areas, making every effort to prevent disaster damage.
Furthermore, the city took preemptive measures by blocking the Samhyangcheon trail and the entrance to Okam Waterfront Park to prevent possible casualties.
Mayor Park Hong-ryul said, “Although disasters cannot be predicted, thorough preparation and response can minimize damage,” and urged employees, “As public officials protecting the safety of citizens, I hope you will devote all your efforts to building a safe city.”
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