PHOTOS: Seoul conducts post-earthquake emergency management drill at iconic arts center
By Park Jong-hyeokPosted : July 29, 2024, 17:13Updated : July 29, 2024, 17:13
SEOUL, July 29 (AJU PRESS) - On Monday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, along with the Seoul Police Agency and Jongno Fire Station, conducted a rare drill to simulate a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hitting central Seoul and causing the collapse of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, an iconic arts venue.
A firefighter rescues a citizen during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Firefighters enter the building during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Until recently, Korea was considered relatively safe from earthquakes. However, researchers have raised concerns about the potential of devastating earthquakes in populated areas, including Seoul, following seven earthquakes with magnitudes of five or higher on the Korean Peninsula between 2000 and 2023.
According to 2016 data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Seoul could result in about 2.8 million casualties and cause damages worth 2,848 trillion won ($2.5 trillion). Seoul is known for its densely populated urban environment, with a population of about 9.2 million.
Citizens participate in an evacuation drill during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Citizens participate in an evacuation drill during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
During the drill, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake was simulated to strike the Sejong Arts Center and the surrounding city center. Approximately three dozen firefighters arrived at the disaster scene 14 minutes after the collapse. About a dozen police officers established a perimeter while firefighters entered the building to rescue the injured.
Firefighters escorted survivors to Gwanghwamun Square, which is relatively safe from earthquakes due to the limited number of high-rise buildings in the area.
Firefighters practice transporting injured victims on stretchers during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
A firefighter updates a casualty status board during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Special rescue firefighters enter the scene during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Seoul City officials and Seoul Emergency Headquarters crews coordinated with personnel at the disaster site from a control tower located three floors below Seoul City Hall.
"Although it is true that it can be challenging to respond to earthquakes because they are almost impossible to predict, we will work to build our response capabilities through repeated training," said Seoul Metropolitan Government's 2nd Vice Mayor Yoo Chang-soo.
Special rescue firefighters move injured victims on stretchers during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
A firefighter participates in Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Firefighters check the status and condition of injured victims during Seoul's earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
A firefighter prepares an operation map during Seoul's earthquake drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok
Firefighters and Seoul city officials inspect the site during an earthquake response drill at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts next to Gwanghwamun Plaza on July 29, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok