Gwangjin District Launches Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters with 13 Working Groups for Flood and Storm Response

Opening Ceremony of Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Held on May 15 to Prepare for Heavy Rainfall and Typhoons
Thirteen Working Groups Formed Including Situation Management, Traffic Measures, and Medical-Quarantine Teams

Gwangjin District (District Mayor Kim Kyungho) held an opening ceremony for its Flood and Storm Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on May 15, and will actively prepare for heavy rainfall and typhoons until October 15.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the average temperature this summer is expected to be higher than usual, and precipitation is also forecast to increase. Due to atmospheric instability, there will be periods of heavy rainfall, and both localized downpours and frequent rainy season precipitation are expected.

In response, the district has established an operational plan for the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to prepare for flood and storm disasters, and has built a prompt and systematic response system for the summer season. Thirteen working groups have been organized by function to enable quick responses, including Situation Management, Traffic Measures, Search-Rescue-Emergency Medical Services, and Medical-Quarantine. Depending on weather conditions, an emergency work system will be operated in a total of six stages: Normal, Preliminary Reinforcement, Reinforcement, and Emergency Stages 1 to 3.

The opening ceremony was held on the 8th floor of the newly relocated integrated government building on May 15. The event was attended by Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, Lim Misook, Head of the Volunteer Disaster Prevention Corps, as well as district executives and staff, totaling around 30 participants. The ceremony began with the unveiling of the nameplate, followed by a briefing on countermeasures for flood and storm disasters, a video presentation, and a video call with a rainwater pumping station.

The district has been proactively preparing for flood and storm disasters. Last month, it conducted a sluice gate operation drill and thoroughly prepared for damage prevention through comprehensive inspections of flood control facilities and vulnerable areas, maintenance and cleaning of sewage pipelines and storm drains, installation of flood prevention facilities, inspection and verification of flood control materials, and operation of a river patrol team.

In particular, this year, the district has expanded the deployment of temporary flood barriers. Mobile flood barriers that were previously stored at local community centers and flood control warehouses have now been pre-positioned in underground parking lots of apartment complexes. Additionally, speakers and electronic display boards have been installed along the Jungnangcheon stream to provide real-time disaster alerts and evacuate residents, thereby preventing river isolation accidents.

Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "To minimize damage caused by flood and storm disasters, a prompt and systematic state of preparedness is essential. We will work closely with related organizations such as the police and fire departments, centering on the Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, to prevent accidents. We will also make every effort to protect the lives and property of residents through continuous facility management and inspections."