Active from May 15 to Oct. 15 — disaster response headquarters coordinates 39 departments; 90% of storm drains dredged, 51 km of sewer lines cleared to boost drainage capacity
Yeongdeungpo-gu (district mayor Choi Ho-kwon) has activated its full disaster response system from May 15 through Oct. 15 to prepare for summer flooding, heavy rains and typhoons.
The district held an inauguration ceremony for its Disaster and Safety Response Headquarters on May 14, formally entering emergency-duty status. The headquarters, comprising 39 departments, will maintain a tiered response system calibrated to weather conditions at all times, with a focus on rapid situation updates and on-site response.
To prevent flood damage, the district has completed advance inspections of all major flood-control facilities in the area. Eight stormwater pumping stations and 27 floodgates and sluice gates were checked for operational status and safety to ensure stable operation even during heavy downpours.
Pre-season maintenance to strengthen drainage capacity is also well under way. Dredging has been completed on 90 percent of the district's 25,858 storm drain inlets, with the remainder set to be finished by the end of May. In addition, the district has dredged and cleaned 51 kilometers of sewer lines to secure smooth drainage flow before the rainy season.
Field-level preventive activities are being stepped up as well. On-site crews — including community partnership workers, temporary employees and flood response mobile units — are conducting regular clearance of blocked storm drain inlets and removal of covers to ensure the district can respond immediately to localized downpours.
The district is also intensively installing flood-prevention equipment — including backflow prevention devices and water barriers — in flood-prone areas ahead of the rainy season. Water pumps have been inspected in advance, and sandbag stations have been placed throughout the district so residents can access them immediately in an emergency.
"With heavy rains driven by climate change becoming more frequent, proactive response is more important than ever," district mayor Choi said. "We will do our utmost to protect the lives and property of our residents through thorough preparation and swift response throughout the flood-control season."
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