Seoul's Dobong-gu said it is mobilizing all available resources to implement flood and storm safety measures as the rainy season gets underway.
District Mayor Kim Dong-wook visited the disaster safety operations center Monday to inspect the district's preparedness for the summer monsoon season.
At the visit, Kim called on staff to "do their utmost in round-the-clock situation management to protect residents' lives and property," stressing the need for airtight emergency response.
The district has operated its Flood and Storm Disaster Safety Headquarters since May 15, with Kim serving as its head. The headquarters comprises 13 functional working teams, including a situation coordination unit, a facility recovery unit and a lifestyle support unit.
During this year's rainy season, the district is focusing on a comprehensive safety management network to protect vulnerable residents, including people with severe disabilities and the elderly.
As soon as a flood warning or alert is issued, the district will deploy its "Flood Disaster Companion Partners" — teams of care civil servants and neighborhood block leaders — to assist at-risk households with evacuation and ensure their safety.
To prevent river entrapment incidents caused by sudden concentrated downpours, the district is stepping up river patrols and access controls.
When rivers are at risk of overflowing, the district will expand its river patrol teams, composed of police and volunteer disaster prevention corps members. The disaster safety operations center will also use smart remote controls to block public access to riverbanks entirely.
"As localized heavy rain is becoming more frequent due to summer weather anomalies, advance preparation and swift response are more important than ever," Kim said. "We will do our best in flood prevention and on-the-ground response so that residents can enjoy a safe and worry-free summer."
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