'Apply before the rainy season hits,' — Yeongdeungpo-gu offers free flood-prevention installations

Yeongdeungpo-gu is offering free flood-prevention device installations to residents in below-ground and semi-basement homes ahead of the summer rainy season.

Yeongdeungpo-gu (district mayor Choi Ho-kwon) is rolling out a free flood-prevention facility support project to protect residents from flash flooding caused by summer downpours and typhoons.

The district has previously suffered severe damage from record rainfall reaching up to 110 millimeters per hour. It is particularly vulnerable because of the large number of low-lying areas and below-ground and semi-basement homes, which face a high risk of flooding from rainwater intrusion and sewage backflow during heavy rain.

In response, the district provides free annual installation of flood-prevention equipment to help residents avoid such damage.

Two types of devices are available — flood barriers and backflow preventers, both with a proven track record in flood mitigation.

Flood barriers are installed at home entrances, basement stairwells and semi-basement windows to block rainwater that has pooled on the street from entering the home.

Backflow preventers stop sewage from surging in reverse through bathroom drains, kitchen sinks and laundry outlets when heavy rain causes water levels in public sewer lines to rise.

Below-ground and semi-basement households are eligible to apply through December, though the program may close early if the budget runs out. Tenants must obtain the building owner's consent before applying. Applications can be submitted by phone or in person at the nearest community center or the district office's flood control division, and all installation costs are fully covered.

Last year, the district supplied 1,589 flood barriers and 2,293 backflow preventers to some 814 households, improving residential safety for flood-vulnerable homes.

The district is also undertaking large-scale drainage infrastructure upgrades to strengthen its overall flood defenses. It has committed 31.6 billion won (about $21 million) to a full overhaul of 8.4 kilometers of aging sewer lines across the Yangpyeong 1-dong and Dangsan 1-dong areas. The project replaces structurally defective and deteriorated pipes to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain.

"As climate change makes localized downpours increasingly unpredictable, I urge households at risk of flooding to apply before the rainy season begins," district mayor Choi said. "We will continue to do our utmost to protect residents' safety through thorough preventive measures."