Dongjak-gu has launched a preemptive response to protect residents' lives and property ahead of the full monsoon season and heavy rainfall.
District Mayor Ryu Sam-young began his rounds on the morning of July 3 at Sinnorangjin Market, a site he had already visited during his time as mayor-elect due to concerns over flood damage and safety hazards.
The market received an E rating — the lowest possible — in a detailed safety assessment. Ryu again called for swift relocation of occupants and demolition of the structure to protect residents' safety.
Immediately after the site visit, Ryu returned to the district office and convened a flood and storm preparedness meeting attended by relevant department and division heads.
At the meeting, Ryu said procedural reporting delays must never be allowed to hold up on-the-ground action and cost residents the critical window for intervention. He called for establishing an "act first, report later" system that places residents' safety — including emergency response when flooding occurs — above all else.
He also directed staff to carry out preemptive flood-control measures: patrolling vulnerable facilities in each neighborhood, removing storm drain covers, and conducting thorough advance inspections and maintenance of infrastructure.
That afternoon, Ryu visited the Noryangjin Stormwater Pumping Station to verify that mechanical equipment was operating normally, then moved on to Dorimcheon stream to closely inspect river control barriers and related facilities.
The district has operated its flood and storm disaster safety headquarters around the clock since May 15, and is pursuing practical, tailored flood-preparedness measures — including training residents on the use of water pumps and running a dedicated storm drain management team composed of civil servants and community members.
"There is no value more important than the safety of our residents — safety always comes first," Ryu said. "We will continue to push actively for the early ground-breaking of the Isu–Gwacheon combined tunnel, build an AI smart disaster prevention center, and spare no effort to expand flood-resilience infrastructure so we can protect the precious lives and property of our residents."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
