Kangjin County is taking urgent measures to ensure resident safety after signs of instability, including tilting and cracks, were detected at a retaining wall in front of the Comprehensive Welfare Center for the Disabled in Kangjin-eup.
On July 28, officials confirmed dangerous signs at the retaining wall and immediately activated a safety management system and emergency response, according to a statement released on July 29.
To prevent additional damage and safety incidents due to heavy rainfall, the county promptly closed the affected road and prioritized the safety of facility users and residents.
Additionally, to prevent soil erosion and ground weakening caused by rainwater infiltration, waterproof tarps were installed, and emergency repair work on the cracked sections was completed as part of the damage prevention measures.
The county has also strengthened its safety management system to continuously monitor the wall's condition. Sensors capable of detecting tilting and cracking in real-time have been installed, and a 24-hour inspection system is in place to quickly identify any minor changes.
Kangjin County is not only focusing on emergency measures but is also pursuing follow-up actions to ensure long-term safety. Currently, urgent design work for the wall's restoration is underway, and once the design is finalized, repair and reinforcement work is set to begin in August to restore the structural safety and functionality of the facility.
Kang Jin-won, the county mayor, stated, "Early detection and rapid response to signs of danger are the most effective preventive measures against disasters and safety incidents. We will strengthen on-site inspections and safety management and do our utmost to create a safe environment where residents can live with peace of mind through thorough repairs and reinforcements."
Meanwhile, the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall and localized downpours due to climate change has heightened the importance of proactive inspections and rapid responses for aging retaining walls and steep slopes. Kangjin County plans to continuously enhance its safety management system focused on constant monitoring and prevention of hazardous facilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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