On May 16, the Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Hwa-jin) announced the ‘2024 Summer Flood Measures’ at the government complex in Seoul for the prevention of flood damage this summer.

Due to recent abnormal weather phenomena caused by climate change, unpredictable heavy rainfall is occurring more frequently, increasing the importance of preemptive flood preparation. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment will closely cooperate with relevant agencies to ensure that flood response measures can be effectively implemented in the field during heavy rainfall and will promote summer flood measures accordingly.

The measures put forward prioritize public safety with the primary goal of “establishing a flood safety system based on science and operable in the field.” It promotes five key tasks: 1) AI-based flood forecasting, 2) providing information that resonates with the public, 3) preemptive preparation for vulnerable areas, 4) securing reservoirs for flood preparedness, and 5) strengthening field response capabilities.

First, the main measures for ‘scientific flood forecasting based on a digital platform’ are as follows.

The Ministry of Environment will fully implement AI-based flood forecasting using advanced technology. By utilizing AI technology to automate flood predictions and support forecasters’ judgments, it has become possible to monitor more forecast points. As a result, the number of forecast points will be significantly expanded from 75 major river points to 223 points, including tributaries and streams.

In addition to forecasting river water levels before floods occur, water levels at 673 observation stations nationwide will be monitored every minute. Any rise in water levels or other dangerous situations will be promptly communicated to relevant agencies.

Alongside river water level predictions, forecasts for urban flooding will also be expanded. Following last year’s initiation of urban flood forecasts for the Dorimcheon Stream in Seoul, this year, operations will be extended to the Gwangju (Hwangnyong River), Pohang (Naengcheon Stream), and Changwon (Changwoncheon Stream) areas. By monitoring water levels in rivers and sewage systems and al.erting local governments to potential flooding situations, prompt evacuation of residents can be facilitated.

Furthermore, to respond to flooding caused by heavy rainfall, the utilization of flood risk maps will be enhanced. The river flood risk map, indicating flooding due to river overflow, was completed by the end of 2022. In addition, urban flood risk maps, depicting flooding caused by sewer backflows and other factors, have been produced* for flood-prone areas and made available to the public online. This allows citizens to identify flood-prone areas, while local governments prepare evacuation shelters and routes in emergency situations.

* (Dec. 2023) 1,135 administrative units → (Dec. 2024) 1,654 administrative units scheduled for production

Second, the main measures for ‘providing actionable flood information for citizens in real time’ are as follows.

Until now, even when receiving flood al.ert notification messages (CBS), drivers couldn’t properly co.nfirm where the al.ert had been issued while driving. Starting this year, for the first time, when a vehicle driver approaches a flood al.ert or dam discharge area, navigation systems will provide voice guidance, enabling drivers to be cautious while driving in high-risk areas such as floodplains. 

Flood advisories and flood al.ert notification messages (CBS) utilize individual mobile phone location information (GPS) to provide both the user’s proximity to flood-prone areas and maps of nearby flood-prone areas. This assists individuals in quickly exiting hazardous areas.

Relevant agencies ensure seamless notification of flood forecasts and other hazardous situations. While previously communicated only via fax and SMS, starting this year, additional methods such as the Voice Message System (VMS*) and Public Safety Network** will be employed. Direct communication of flood risk situations will be provided to local government deputy heads to facilitate responsible on-site response.

* Voice Message System: Automatically converts text messages into voice messages for dissemination, with call termination upon recipient con.firmation.

** Flood situation simultaneously disseminated to local authorities, fire departments, police, and other flood response agencies within the same area.

Third, the main measures for ‘preemptive preparation for vulnerable areas such as rivers and sewage systems’ are as follows.

A comprehensive inspection, conducted jointly with a specialized agency (Korea River Association), for river facilities such as embankments and construction sites for riverbank purposes was completed in April. Necessary repairs, reinforcements, and other measures for any deficiencies identified will be promptly completed before the flood season (June 21 to September 20).

Vulnerable areas, including river construction sites, will be designated as flood-prone zones following a joint investigation with specialized agencies. These areas will be managed through concentrated on-site inspections. In addition, locations where water flow is obstructed, such as confluences and narrow sections of rivers, will undergo maximum efforts for tasks like tree removal and sediment removal before the flood season.

Local governments will cooperate in inspecting and cleaning rainwater catchments, which can be considered the starting points of sewage systems, before the flood season to prevent urban flooding. Furthermore, local governments will be encouraged to install manhole fall prevention facilities in flood-prone areas, and the installed facilities will be managed through concentrated inspections.

Fourth, the main measures for ‘securing reservoirs for flood preparedness through proactive dam discharge and other measures’ are as follows.

Prior to the flood season, concentrated discharge will be carried out at multipurpose dams (20 in total) to maximize flood control capacity by securing as much water storage as possible during heavy rainfall events. The goal of this is to secure the maximum flood control capacity of 6.14 billion ㎥.

In addition to multipurpose dams managed by the Ministry of Environment, collaborative efforts among relevant agencies will be undertaken to prepare for floods by implementing preemptive discharge measures at hydropower dams (7 facilities managed by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) and agricultural dams (36 facilities managed by the Korea Rural Community Corporation). Specifically, for Goesan Dam, which experienced flooding last year, the flood control capacity will be further enhanced by operating it with a 3-meter lower flood control limit compared to last year during the flood season.

Furthermore, in border areas such as the Imjin River and the North Han River basin, satellite direct receiving antennas will be installed to enhance observation (monitoring) through satellite imagery, enabling preparedness for unexpected discharges from dams in North Korea.

Fifth, the main measures for ‘enhancing on-site response capabilities’ are as follows.

Utilizing over 8,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed along the entire national river system (3,602km) by the end of last year, the Ministry of Environment promptly assesses on-site conditions and relays them to relevant agencies, facilitating swift on-site responses. Additionally, the Ministry enhances its response capabilities by improving and operating systems to enable local governments to monitor these CCTV cameras.

As the flood response headquarters (Control Tower), the Ministry operates a comprehensive disaster situation room to meticulously observe (monitor) flood forecasts and real-time river water levels, among other on-site conditions, and respond to crisis situations.

Furthermore, starting this year, the Ministry plans to enhance collaboration systems by increasing communication and training with local governments to improve on-site response capabilities.

In the first week of May, for the first time this year, the Ministry conducted Flood Safety Week, where it thoroughly checked the inter-agency flood response preparedness through policy forums, watershed-specific simulations, and joint training sessions (workshops) with local governments. Moving forward, the Ministry will continue to promote active cooperation among agencies during flood response efforts.

Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin stated, “During the remaining period before the flood season, we will swiftly complete inspections and necessary measures at river construction sites to ensure there are no blind spots in flood response.” She added, “We will prioritize public safety and do our best in flood response to prevent casualties from heavy rainfall during this summer.”