Rapid Disaster Response through Integration of Disaster Safety Headquarters Functions... Excellent Evaluation of Integrated Support Headquarters and Safety Korea Drill Achievements in Disaster Sector
In just a short span of two years, the nation has been plunged into sorrow by major disasters such as the record-breaking floods in 2022, the October 29 Itaewon tragedy, and last year's Osong underpass disaster.
Disasters, both large and small, have been increasing every year. Amid growing concerns about safety, the government is comprehensively reforming safety systems and frameworks at the national level to improve the situation.
Among these efforts, Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has attracted attention by proactively pushing forward the reorganization of its disaster safety system. At the heart of this role is the Gwanak-gu Disaster Safety Situation Room, the district’s “disaster control tower.”
Since its opening ceremony on May 15 last year, the Gwanak-gu Disaster Safety Situation Room has been operating 24/7 throughout the year. It was established as a dedicated 114㎡ space exclusively for disaster management. It is equipped with functions such as monitoring local closed-circuit televisions (CCTV), the national disaster safety system, disaster safety communication networks, and video conferencing systems.
In particular, the functions of the disaster safety countermeasures headquarters, which were previously operated by each department within the district office?such as flood warning systems, control of rainwater pumping stations and retention basins, and monitoring of heated wire zones for snow removal?have been integrated into the Disaster Safety Situation Room, creating an efficient and systematic disaster response system.
The district designed the Disaster Safety Situation Room with the concept of a “space” where all processes of understanding, discussing, and directing disaster situations must take place in one location to enable rapid disaster response.
All disaster-related information is consolidated in the Disaster Safety Situation Room, where all functional teams and related departments, including the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Chief (the district mayor), unite to respond swiftly to disaster situations.
Additionally, last year, Gwanak-gu became the first autonomous district in Seoul to establish a dedicated “Disaster Field Response Team” for the exclusive operation of the Disaster Safety Situation Room. The team, consisting of 10 members including monitoring specialists, monitors disaster situations 24/7 for rapid initial response and immediately dispatches to the scene upon disaster occurrence to conduct prompt initial response in cooperation with related agencies.
Recognizing these diverse efforts, the district recently received the honor of being selected as an “Excellent Institution” in the ‘2023 Seoul City Integrated Support Headquarters Operation Evaluation’ and awarded an “Excellent Grade” in the ‘2023 Disaster Response Safe Korea Training Evaluation.’
The district was acknowledged for the organic linkage between the Disaster Safety Situation Room and the Integrated Support Headquarters, which conducted various integrated discussion and field training exercises such as Safe Korea Training and emergency rescue response drills.
Meanwhile, last year, the district also achieved good results in disaster-related fields, receiving a “Commendation” in the ‘Seoul City Sewerage Management Performance Evaluation’ and a “Commendation” in the ‘Summer Flood and Wind Damage Countermeasures Merit Awards.’
Going forward, the district plans to take the lead in creating a safe Gwanak-gu 24/7 by strengthening response capabilities through regular disaster drills, maintaining systems and emergency contact networks, and cooperating with related agencies.
Mayor Park Junhee stated, “Even if a disaster control tower exists, it is as good as absent if it cannot perform its functions promptly during a disaster situation. We will continue training to ensure the Disaster Safety Situation Room can swiftly fulfill its role and devote all efforts to making Gwanak-gu a place where everyone can live safely.”
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