Operation of 'Natural Disaster Countermeasure Period' Until October 15
Strengthened Inspections of Flood-Prone Areas, Steep Slopes, and Disaster-Vulnerable Locations
As heat waves and tropical nights continue to sweep across the country, Wando County in South Jeolla Province has launched an all-out effort to prevent damage from natural disasters during the summer season.
On July 2, Wando County announced that it has designated the summer natural disaster countermeasure period to run until October 15, and will implement preemptive inspections and a heat wave response system to prevent casualties.
Wando County has launched an all-out effort to prevent damage from natural disasters during the summer season. Photo by Wando County
The county has completed safety inspections for 14 areas prone to frequent flooding before the rainy season, 16 locations at risk of casualties, 87 small streams, and 51 steep slopes. For disaster-vulnerable areas, the county has strengthened monitoring activities and has also conducted maintenance of drainage systems, stormwater pipelines, and inspections of water control facilities such as pumping stations. A phased emergency duty system linked to weather advisories is currently in operation. The county has also maintained emergency contact networks between relevant departments and related agencies to enable immediate response in the event of damage.
Measures are also being implemented to reduce the impact of heat waves on residents. The county has formed a dedicated heat wave response task force (TF) consisting of four departments and two teams to expand heat mitigation facilities, protect vulnerable groups, and operate cooling shelters. There are 76 cooling shelters, which began operating in June, a month earlier than usual, and air conditioning costs are being supported in advance to ensure uninterrupted operation.
In addition to the existing 33 shade canopies and 87 cooling fog installations, the county plans to add five smart shade canopies, one cooling fog installation, and one smart integrated shelter this year. During heat wave advisories, water-spraying vehicles will be deployed to spray city roads to prevent asphalt deformation and other issues caused by rising surface temperatures.
The county is providing residents with real-time information through disaster village broadcasts and safety text messages, and is preparing to carry out immediate on-site emergency restoration in the event of damage.
A county official stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure that no casualties occur due to summer disasters through close cooperation between departments."
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