Quick Response to Disasters in the Northern Area
High Expectations for Protecting Citizens' Lives and Property
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province announced on July 15 that, in order to respond quickly to various disasters such as floods, heat waves, heavy snow, and cold snaps, it established an additional Northern Forward Base in Masong-ri, Tongjin-eup on July 14, supplementing the existing Forward Bases in Geolpo-dong and Gurae-dong.
Previously, only two Forward Bases were in operation in Geolpo-dong and Gurae-dong. However, when disasters occurred in the northern region, it was difficult to respond quickly because recovery equipment and materials had to be transported from a distance. With the addition of the new Forward Base, the city can now respond more swiftly to disasters and emergencies in the northern area.
The newly established Forward Base in Tongjin-eup is located on city-owned land and has been operated by the Gimpo City Volunteer Disaster Prevention Corps since May, after undergoing a public property review. The old tents that were previously installed have been fully repaired and are now used as warehouses for storing equipment and materials. Electrical and water supply installations necessary for nighttime equipment dispatch and repair work have also been completed. In addition, four containers previously used as quarantine posts for foot-and-mouth disease, provided by the Livestock Division, are being utilized as meeting rooms and rest areas for the Disaster Prevention Corps.
The Gimpo City Volunteer Disaster Prevention Corps, led by Min Youngwan, is collaborating with local representatives from each town and district to operate the central and southern Forward Bases (Geolpo and Gurae) as well as the newly added Northern Forward Base (Tongjin). The Corps is responding swiftly to various disasters occurring within the city, performing tasks such as flood recovery, opening and closing shade canopies, operating heat shelters, and cleaning roadside storm drains. During the winter, they focus on snow removal in vulnerable areas such as sidewalks and village roads, and on setting up cold wave shelters and warming tents, making every effort to protect the lives and safety of citizens in the face of all kinds of disasters.
A Gimpo City official stated, "Protecting the lives and safety of citizens is the most important responsibility of Gimpo City," and added, "With the addition of the new Forward Base, we will do our utmost to respond to all disasters that occur within the city."
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