Gwanak-gu Provides Free Flood Prevention Facilities, Striving for 'Zero Flood Damage'

Before the rainy season (June), focus on expanding flood prevention facilities for low-lying underground houses and small-scale shops
Apply by phone or visit the responsible department or Gwanak-dong Community Service Center by October 31
Gwanak-gu 'Strives for zero flood damage with thorough flood prevention efforts'

Commercial Building Flood Barrier Panel

Low-lying underground houses and basements vulnerable to flooding have limitations in preventing inundation with disaster prevention facilities such as sewage systems and pumping stations when excessive rain falls in a short period.

Accordingly, Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is promoting the free installation of flood prevention facilities for underground houses in the area this year as well, aiming for zero flood damage and creating a "Safe City Gwanak" where residents can live with peace of mind.

Representative flood prevention facilities such as water barriers and backflow prevention devices are minimal safety measures that block rainwater from penetrating into low-lying (underground) houses from outside or sewage pipes during heavy rain.

Last year, the district enacted the "Gwanak-gu Flood Prevention Facility Installation Support Ordinance," establishing a basis for supporting the installation of flood prevention facilities at places such as parking lot entrances, warehouses, and boiler rooms, which were not previously included in the free installation targets.

From 2023, the support project has been expanded to small-scale low-lying commercial establishments that realistically face difficulties in preparing for flood damage.

Water barriers are flood prevention facilities that prevent surface water caused by heavy rain and poor drainage from entering low-lying houses. Even simple installation has a significant effect in preventing flood damage.

The district plans to accept applications for buildings (houses, commercial establishments) at risk of flood damage until October 31 and complete the installation of flood prevention facilities by the end of this year.

Applicants must be building owners or tenants of houses at risk of flooding located in Gwanak-gu. Applications can be made by phone or in person at the Gwanak-gu Office Water Management Division or the local community service center. If a tenant applies, the consent of the building owner is required, and the installation construction cost is entirely free.

After application, a person in charge will visit the site to determine the necessity, type, and quantity of facilities, and then proceed with the installation work.

Mayor Park Jun-hee of Gwanak-gu said, "As frequent heavy rains due to recent abnormal weather raise concerns about flood damage to low-lying houses, we strongly urge the active installation of flood prevention facilities," adding, "We will do our best to make Gwanak-gu a safe city aiming for zero flood damage to protect the precious lives and property of residents."