Levee Collapsed at Dawn Due to Heavy Rain Causing Flooding
Residents Strive to Rescue Using Owned Kayak
Professor Kwon Seonpil of the Department of Police Administration at Mokwon University, who greatly contributed to saving lives by using his personally owned kayak at the flood disaster site, received the Honorary Hero Award from Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).
Professor Kwon Seon-pil of Mokwon University, who used a personally owned kayak to rescue residents at the flood disaster site. [Image source=Mokwon University]
Mokwon University announced on the 9th that Professor Kwon was selected as the second Honorary Hero of LH this year by LH and the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association, receiving a certificate and prize money. The 'LH Honorary Hero Award' is given by LH using a sharing fund established through employee salary deductions to honor individuals who have set an example for others in disaster and housing safety risk situations.
On July 10th, heavy rain caused the collapse of the embankment of a nearby stream in Jeongbaengi Village, Yongchon-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, where Professor Kwon lived, resulting in flooding of the village. The entire village was almost submerged, making it difficult to access with vehicles or other rescue equipment. To make matters worse, the embankment broke during the early morning hours, leaving many residents unable to evacuate in time. In this situation, Professor Kwon took out his single-person kayak from his home and paddled through the flooded village to find isolated residents.
When he found isolated residents in the flooded village, he placed them in the kayak and swam alongside, pushing the kayak through the water as a rescue method. In this way, he rescued not only isolated residents but also their companion dogs. It is reported that Professor Kwon’s prior experience serving as a Marine Corps officer was a great help.
On July 10th, heavy rain caused the collapse of the embankment of a nearby stream in Jeongbaengi Village, Yongchon-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, where he lived, resulting in the flooding of the village and the isolation of many residents. Firefighters who arrived at the scene are evacuating residents on rubber boats. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Even after 119 rescue workers were deployed to the scene, Professor Kwon continued to assist with the rescue efforts. During the flooding, 27 households and 36 residents, including elderly people, were isolated in the village, but thanks to the actions of Professor Kwon and the fire authorities, there were no casualties. Professor Kwon said, "I believe this award is for the fire authorities who responded at the time and all the residents who risked their lives to participate in the rescue." He added, "In addition to nurturing talent and conducting research, I will continue to do my best to contribute to the local community whenever possible."
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