Gimpo Holds Emergency Inspection Meeting on Summer Disasters and Heatwaves
Mayor Kim Byungsoo Orders Intensive Monitoring of Workers and River Areas
Calls for Fundamental Measures to Lower Temperatures Tailored to City Conditions
On July 28, the city of Gimpo in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) held an emergency inspection meeting in the main conference room of City Hall to review the response to recent heavy rainfall and heatwaves during the summer disaster and heatwave season.
Gimpo City held an emergency inspection meeting on summer flood and heatwave response on the 28th in the main conference room of the City Hall. Photo by Gimpo City
This emergency meeting, presided over by Mayor Kim Byungsoo, was attended by more than 90 participants, including Vice Mayor Lee Seokbeom, as well as heads of departments, divisions, offices, headquarters, and local district offices.
From July 16 to July 20, when extreme rainfall was recorded nationwide, Gimpo saw a maximum rainfall of 221.5 mm and an accumulated average rainfall of 199.3 mm. A total of 26 incidents of damage were reported, all of which have been fully restored. There were no casualties. Since July 7, heatwave advisories have been issued eleven times, with the highest daytime temperature reaching 36.7 degrees Celsius and the highest perceived temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius, resulting in persistent sweltering heat.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo emphasized the need for fundamental measures to address summer disasters and heatwaves, which are showing patterns different from the past. He stated, "From the urban planning stage, review ways to lower temperatures by utilizing trees, forests, and rivers, and if necessary, consider comprehensive studies tailored to the current conditions of our city as a long-term countermeasure."
Mayor Kim Byungsoo further stressed, "With the number of heatwave days surpassing last year, all relevant departments must make every effort to prevent the occurrence of heat-related illnesses. In particular, focus administrative resources on monitoring small construction sites and field workers in rice paddies. Also, guide both city-sponsored and private events to be held in ways that avoid the heat."
He added, "Proactive response is the best way to protect citizens' lives and property in the face of alternating record-breaking rainfall and heatwaves. Especially since Gimpo has many rivers, we must conduct intensive management and inspections around river areas. All Gimpo city officials must remain vigilant and make every effort to respond to natural disasters during the summer."
Meanwhile, Gimpo City plans to focus on continuous inspections of areas at risk of casualties, operation of cooling shelters, and distribution of cooling supplies (Cool Kits) to ensure citizens can have a safe summer.
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