Zero Casualties Despite Record 383mm Rainfall
Thorough Preemptive Measures and On-Site Inspections
Despite the record-breaking heavy rainfall that recently hit Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province, the county once again demonstrated its crisis response capabilities by recording zero casualties through swift action and proactive measures.
According to the county, after a heavy rain advisory was issued on the afternoon of July 16, it was upgraded to a heavy rain warning around 7 p.m., during which a maximum of 57mm of rain per hour and a cumulative total of 383mm of rainfall were recorded.
Nevertheless, the county overcame the crisis without a single casualty, thanks to meticulous measures such as operating a 24-hour disaster safety situation room, implementing preemptive evacuation procedures, and inspecting vulnerable areas.
On July 18, County Governor Kim Dongon personally conducted emergency inspections at nine affected sites. He checked each location, from the loss of fish at the Yongdu-ri fish farm in Namyang-myeon, to the collapse of the Guryongcheon embankment, and damage to agricultural and livestock facilities and roads in Ungok-myeon and Daechi-myeon. He instructed officials, "Do not stop at emergency repairs; also consider permanent solutions."
He also encouraged staff, saying, "Prepare support measures for affected farms quickly, and ensure all departments cooperate so that residents do not experience inconvenience in transportation or suffer secondary damage."
All key departments, including the Safety Management Division, participated in confirming the extent of the damage and discussing responses, enabling swift action to continue.
The county's agile response stood in contrast to neighboring local governments. In Buyeo County, 330mm of rain caused house flooding and road collapses, while in Yesan County, the collapse of a river embankment resulted in flooding of 55 households and 8.7 hectares of farmland.
The county has consistently invested in crisis response training. Notable examples include receiving a Minister of the Interior and Safety institutional commendation in 2024, being selected as an excellent institution for the 'Safe Korea Exercise' for two consecutive years (2024-2025), and conducting practical disaster drills using drones and PS-LTE.
The 'Support Manual for Residents Affected by House Fires,' the first of its kind in the province, also gained nationwide attention.
Governor Kim stated, "A systematic response system developed from experience played a major role in preventing damage this time as well," and added, "Going forward, I will continue to make residents' safety the top priority of county administration and be the first to act in any disaster situation."
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