Administrative Trends in Korea
Rapid Flood Risk Alerts, Flood Control Through Dams,
and Expansion of River Maintenance to Protect Citizens’ Lives This Summer
During this year’s monsoon season from June to July in Korea, there was a significant increase of 32.5% in rainfall compared to the average(1991-2020). In particular, the heavy rain fell concentrated in a short period over a narrow area, making flood response challenging.
To effectively respond to the heavy rains that occur every year, the Ministry of Environment in Korea conducted flood forecasting using artificial intelligence technology for the first time this year. The system automatically predicts river water levels every 10 minutes and provides risk alerts, and after verification by flood forecasters, flood warnings(flood advisories and alerts) are issued.
The communication system was also improved to convey flood warning issuance and other dangerous situations in a way that the public can easily understand, enabling them to prepare for flood risks. Starting from July 2024, vehicle drivers receive audio guidance through navigation systems when entering near flood alert issuance points or dam discharge points.
In addition, the safety notification messages(CBS) sent to residents in areas were improved. Previously, information was provided mainly in text form, but this year, the messages utilize individual mobile phone location data(GPS) to inform recipients whether they are in a flood-prone area, allowing them to quickly evacuate from dangerous locations.
In addition, the Ministry is actively promoting river maintenance, including reinforcing embankments and dredging rivers, to create flood-safe rivers. Through the installation of over 8,000 closed-circuit televisions(CCTVs) across all sections of national rivers(3,602km) to eliminate blind spots, real-time monitoring of river conditions has been implemented starting this year. Local governments can also monitor these CCTVs to respond effectively, checking for residents walking along the riverside or camping vehicles during rain, allowing for prompt evacuation and access control.
Kim Gu-beom, Director-General of Water Resources Policy Bureau, stated, “As strong and heavy rains are becoming more common compared to previous years, the role of the government in protecting the lives of citizens is becoming increasingly important.” He added, “We will operate the Smart Flood Alert System, which was introduced for the first time this year, without disruptions, and thoroughly manage dams and rivers to ensure that citizens are safe from flooding.”
· Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare
To effectively respond to the heavy rains that occur every year, the Ministry of Environment in Korea conducted flood forecasting using artificial intelligence technology for the first time this year. The system automatically predicts river water levels every 10 minutes and provides risk alerts, and after verification by flood forecasters, flood warnings(flood advisories and alerts) are issued.
In addition, the safety notification messages(CBS) sent to residents in areas were improved. Previously, information was provided mainly in text form, but this year, the messages utilize individual mobile phone location data(GPS) to inform recipients whether they are in a flood-prone area, allowing them to quickly evacuate from dangerous locations.
In addition, the Ministry is actively promoting river maintenance, including reinforcing embankments and dredging rivers, to create flood-safe rivers. Through the installation of over 8,000 closed-circuit televisions(CCTVs) across all sections of national rivers(3,602km) to eliminate blind spots, real-time monitoring of river conditions has been implemented starting this year. Local governments can also monitor these CCTVs to respond effectively, checking for residents walking along the riverside or camping vehicles during rain, allowing for prompt evacuation and access control.
Kim Gu-beom, Director-General of Water Resources Policy Bureau, stated, “As strong and heavy rains are becoming more common compared to previous years, the role of the government in protecting the lives of citizens is becoming increasingly important.” He added, “We will operate the Smart Flood Alert System, which was introduced for the first time this year, without disruptions, and thoroughly manage dams and rivers to ensure that citizens are safe from flooding.”
· Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare