Unpredictable Weather Triggers 'Two-Track' Emergency Response in Seoul Districts

District Offices Address Flood and Heatwave Preparedness Simultaneously

This week, strong and heavy rainfall is forecasted for the central region, while the Korea Meteorological Administration predicts that this summer will bring heatwaves hotter than the seasonal average.

Faced with unpredictable weather where torrential rain and heatwaves can occur simultaneously, each district in Seoul is busy working to prevent both flooding and heat-related damage as they navigate a hectic summer.

Inspection scene of rainwater pumping station. Provided by Songpa District.

According to Songpa District on July 8, Seogang-seok, the head of Songpa District, visited the Mongchon 1 Rainwater Pumping Station on July 7 as his first on-site inspection since taking office for the ninth term. The rainwater pumping station is a facility that quickly drains rainwater into rivers during heavy rainfall, preventing nearby areas from flooding.

District head Seo carefully inspected not only the operation of the pumps but also the condition of the screening equipment that filters out branches and trash washed into the river. He also visited semi-basement homes in Songpa-dong to check the status of water barriers. The district announced that as of July this year, it had additionally installed 670 meters of water barriers and 470 backflow preventers.

Seo stated, "Flood damage in the summer can be reduced as much as we prepare in advance," adding, "We will thoroughly inspect each facility before it rains, identify vulnerable areas, and focus our administrative resources so that residents can spend the summer with peace of mind."

Previously, on July 3, Kim Kyungho, head of Gwangjin District, visited Guui-dong, the Gwangjin Information Library, and the Gwangjang Rainwater Pumping Station in succession to inspect the operation of flood control facilities and the on-site emergency response system. The district checked the management of multipurpose self-rental water pump boxes and manhole fall prevention devices, and also visited the construction site where flood barriers are being installed in low-lying areas along the Han River.

District head Kim stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure thorough preparation and a swift response to protect residents' lives and property from heavy rain and typhoons."

On July 6, Kim Dongwook, head of Dobong District, visited the Disaster and Safety Situation Room to check readiness for the monsoon season. The district is currently operating its disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters for storm and flood damage with 13 dedicated teams, and in the event of a flood warning or advisory, it will deploy 'Flood Disaster Vulnerable Companion Partners'—composed of care workers and local neighborhood heads—to assist vulnerable households with evacuation.

Seongdong District is taking an approach focused on facility improvement. The district installed 'pre-drainage-type rainwater inlets' across approximately 600 meters of roads near Seoul Forest, expanding the rainwater intake area and completing maintenance before the start of the rainy season. District head Yu Bohwa stated, "It is important to create a walking environment where people can walk safely and comfortably even when it rains."

Healing refrigerator installed on the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail. Provided by Nowon-gu.

Along with preparations for flooding, responding to heatwaves has also become a major task for each district. Dongjak District, anticipating an 'unprecedented heatwave' this summer, is implementing the '2026 Comprehensive Summer Heatwave Countermeasures.' The district will install an outdoor air dome called 'Happy-dong' at Nodeul Naru Park within this month, and plans to increase the number of smart shade structures that automatically open and close depending on temperature by more than 10 locations.

For vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and the homeless, 'heatwave support kits' will be distributed. In the event of a heatwave advisory, visiting nurses will be dispatched to closely monitor the health of high-risk individuals. District head Ryu Samyeong stated, "As heatwaves become a routine due to the climate crisis, the administration must take proactive measures."

Nowon District will operate 'healing refrigerators' at 18 major walking trails and riverside areas from July 22 to August 20. First introduced nationwide in 2020, this initiative provides free bottled water to help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Yongsan District has increased the number of small-scale rest areas called 'Cold and Warm Sarangbang,' equipped with air conditioning and seating, to a total of nine, and is also expanding the operation of 'Yongsan District Saemteo,' which provides free bottled water. In addition, the policy of using public libraries within the district as cooling centers during the summer continues.

Yongsan-gu Cold and Warm Sarangbang and Saemteo. Provided by Yongsan-gu.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.