Mayor Joo Gwangdeok Orders Emergency Response to Heavy Rain, Stresses "No Casualties"

Namyangju City Holds Emergency Disaster Safety Meeting to Prepare for Heavy Rainfall
Mayor Joo Gwangdeok Demonstrates Swift Leadership by Resolving Flooded Area in 15 Minutes

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) has begun taking proactive measures in preparation for the full onset of the monsoon rains.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is holding an emergency disaster safety countermeasure meeting at 9 a.m. on the 17th in the city hall disaster safety situation room. Provided by Namyangju City

At 9 a.m. on the 17th, Namyangju City held an emergency disaster safety countermeasure meeting in the city hall disaster safety situation room to focus on discussing ways to prevent and respond quickly to damage caused by the heavy rainfall that began the previous day.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Joo Gwangdeok, the deputy mayor, heads of departments and bureaus, and the citizen safety officer. Participants shared information and discussed response measures regarding the weather situation, regional rainfall amounts, drainage facility operations, and monitoring of high-risk areas.

According to the weather report, a heavy rain advisory was issued citywide at 5 p.m. on July 16. As of 8 a.m. on July 17, the average accumulated precipitation was 84.8 mm, with the highest recorded in Hwado-eup at 107 mm and the lowest in Byeollae-myeon and Pyeongnae-dong at 64 mm.

Immediately after the heavy rain advisory was issued, Namyangju City activated Emergency Level 1 of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and deployed 302 staff members from departments, bureaus, and local offices to emergency duty. The city also took measures including forward deployment of eight drainage pump stations, restricting access to riverside walkways and Saewolgyo bridges, monitoring high-risk areas such as low-lying regions and underpasses, and strengthening inspections in preparation for strong winds.

In addition, the city used the automatic voice alert system at 70 locations to broadcast evacuation notices in high-risk areas such as Saewolgyo bridges and riversides, and increased patrols in each district.

Notably, on the morning of the 17th, vehicle access was temporarily restricted at the Jungchon 1 underpass due to brief flooding, but the city responded swiftly by completing drainage work and lifting the restriction within 15 minutes, demonstrating agile action even in emergency situations.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok emphasized, "Even as weather conditions change rapidly, the safety of our citizens must never be compromised," adding, "We will strengthen effective response measures and on-site inspections to ensure that not a single casualty occurs, and we must also do our utmost to prevent damage from strong winds."

With the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting more than 100 mm of additional rainfall and strong winds through July 18, Namyangju City plans for all departments to remain on high alert, continue sharing real-time information, and maintain proactive measures.