The Ministry of Environment announced on the 10th that it will strengthen river risk monitoring and management of vulnerable areas with the goal of minimizing human casualties in response to heavy rainfall during the summer season.
The ministry made this statement regarding the summer disaster response system at the first Cabinet Ministers’ Meeting on Current National Issues, which was held at the Government Complex Seoul and presided over by Prime Minister Kim Minseok on the same day.
To begin with, the Ministry of Environment will establish a rapid flood forecasting system utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for river risk monitoring. It will also enhance monitoring by using intelligent CCTV cameras that automatically detect people and vehicles along riverbanks.
In addition, the ministry will identify and manage vulnerable areas in advance by designating and managing flood-prone districts and inspecting sewer facilities such as stormwater inlets. In particular, to prevent clogging of stormwater inlets?which has been cited as a cause of urban flooding?the ministry explained that as of last month, it had inspected and cleaned 95.1% of stormwater inlets within priority management zones subject to mandatory management.
On the 17th, when Hongjecheon in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul was closed due to heavy rain in northern Gyeonggi including Seoul, a citizen watched the swollen water. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy rain advisory for Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@
To address the worsening algal blooms during the summer, the ministry plans to ensure the safe supply of drinking water by managing pollution sources, coordinating releases from dams and weirs, and strengthening the management of water intake and purification plants.
Additionally, the ministry has completed special inspections of stockpiled compost and private sewage facilities. It also plans to continuously expand non-point pollution reduction facilities and livestock manure biogas facilities to prevent algal blooms in advance. Other measures include conducting inspections and simulation drills at water purification plants and installing algae-blocking barriers around water intake sources.
Meanwhile, the Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that monsoon rains will fall on the 16th and 17th, and stated that the rainy season has not yet ended in the central region.
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