Mayor Kim Mikyung: "Resident Safety Comes First"
Directs On-Site Response
On August 14, Eunpyeong District in Seoul (Mayor Kim Mikyung) announced that it had mobilized all administrative resources to respond swiftly and carry out restoration work in order to minimize damage caused by record-breaking heavy rainfall that exceeded 100mm per hour on August 13.
Eunpyeong District is mobilizing all administrative resources to minimize damage from record-breaking heavy rainfall. Photo in the center: Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District. Provided by Eunpyeong District.
From the afternoon of August 13 until the morning of August 14, heavy rain fell in Eunpyeong District, resulting in flooding and displaced residents. Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, visited the construction site in Galhyeon 1-dong, Bulkwangcheon Stream where water levels had risen rapidly, and the flooded areas in Bulgwang-dong and Eungam 3-dong. She directed drainage operations, measures to prevent soil runoff, and emergency safety actions, focusing on ensuring the safety of residents.
Through social media, Mayor Kim stated, "We are utilizing even private accommodations as temporary shelters to protect displaced residents, pumping out water from underground spaces, and reinforcing measures to prevent soil runoff." She also urged, "During periods of heavy rain, please refrain from unnecessary outings and avoid entering dangerous areas. Postpone disposing of trash that could block drains or rainwater inlets until after the rain has stopped."
In accordance with the disaster relief manual, Eunpyeong District provided temporary housing for all displaced residents who could not return home. Follow-up measures are underway, including draining flooded underground spaces, repairing damaged roads, and reinforcing soil. To prevent secondary accidents such as electric shocks, the district is strengthening power cutoffs and restricting access to hazardous areas.
Following the first situation assessment meeting on August 13, the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters held a meeting to discuss recovery plans, attended by Mayor Kim Mikyung, department heads, and functional and operational team leaders. On August 14, an additional recovery meeting was held to share information on the damage and response measures, as well as to focus on future response strategies.
Additionally, the district implemented Emergency Response Level 1 for heavy rain from the early morning of August 13, raised it to Level 2 at 11 a.m., and has maintained the Level 2 emergency work system as strong rain is forecast through August 14. All departments, including the 16 local community centers, are operating on a 24-hour emergency response system.
Mayor Kim Mikyung emphasized, "We will prioritize the safety of our residents and remain vigilant until the situation is completely resolved." She added, "If you need assistance, please contact your local community center immediately."
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