Safe 24 Hours Even During the Rainy Summer Season!... Songpa District Launches Flood and Storm Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters

Focusing on Flood and Storm Safety Response and Prevention for Five Months Until October to Protect Residents' Lives and Property
Strengthening Flood Control Facilities and Inspecting Vulnerable Areas... Conducting Disaster Drills for Residents
Installing Flood Prevention Facilities for Each Home and Providing One-on-One Evacuation Support for Households with a History of Flooding

With summer approaching, Songpa District in Seoul (Mayor Sogangseok) announced that it will establish the Flood and Storm Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters on May 15 to initiate preparations for typhoons, heavy rain, and other weather-related disasters.

As abnormal weather patterns have become commonplace in recent years, proactive disaster response is being emphasized. With this summer expected to bring more rain and heavy downpours than average, the district will operate its Flood and Storm Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters around the clock until October to ensure the safety of residents 24 hours a day.

Before the full onset of the rainy season, the district thoroughly inspected the functions of flood control facilities, including major rivers and sewage infrastructure. Beginning with inspections of rainwater pump stations, the district, in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, conducted trial operations of floodgates and sluice gates connected to the Han River to proactively prevent flood damage. Notably, since 2021, the district has been sequentially replacing outdated motor pumps at rainwater pump stations for five consecutive years, significantly improving drainage capacity.

Areas vulnerable to flooding were also closely examined. The district dredged catch basins in frequently sedimented areas and low-lying zones, and established a text message notification system so that designated managers in each neighborhood can conduct inspections whenever rain is forecast. In addition, the district has been expanding and operating 15 early warning facilities, 3 electronic display boards, and 123 remote access control facilities at major rivers each year, focusing on preventing accidents involving people being stranded by rising water levels.

The district is also taking the lead in preventing flood damage by supporting vulnerable residents. It provides assistance for the installation of flood prevention facilities (such as water barriers and backflow preventers) in semi-basement homes, small businesses, and multi-family or single-family houses that are susceptible to flooding. When applications are submitted to the local community center, the district offers free installation for semi-basement homes and small businesses, and provides financial support of up to 10 million won for multi-family houses and up to 2 million won for single-family houses.

In emergencies, the district operates a care service to assist disaster-vulnerable residents, such as households with a history of flooding, in evacuating and preventing casualties. A total of 136 “Companion Partners,” consisting of public officials and nearby residents, are matched with 114 households that include people with severe disabilities, seniors, or children, providing advance guidance, status checks, and support activities in the event of damage. The district plans to communicate quickly and respond rapidly through the disaster safety communication network with related agencies, including the police, fire department, and military.

In addition, the district has enhanced the capabilities of its flood response personnel through various training and simulation drills. Training on the operation of water pumps and facility management has been provided to public officials, as well as building owners and tenants responsible for flood prevention facilities. The district also conducts evacuation drills for disaster-vulnerable groups to ensure thorough preparation for preventing flood damage.

Mayor Sogangseok of Songpa District stated, "We will protect the precious lives and property of our residents by establishing a proactive disaster prevention and response system to address extreme climate change," and added, "This summer as well, we will do our utmost to create a safe city, fulfilling the primary responsibility of local government to safeguard against disasters."