Mokpo City is activating a proactive emergency response system to secure citizen safety against seawater inflow and flooding in low-lying areas due to rising tides following recent personnel changes.
Under the leadership of Kim Sang-moon, the head of the sewage department, the city is preemptively inspecting areas at risk of flooding and actively communicating response plans and on-site conditions through press briefings, enhancing preventive administrative measures.
According to the city, significant tidal increases are expected from August 12 to 16. Forecasted levels start at 4.90 meters on August 12, rising to 5.09 meters on August 13, 5.16 meters on August 14, 5.10 meters on August 15, and dropping to 4.92 meters on August 16.
To prepare for potential seawater backflow and flooding, the city has designated six areas as flood-prone zones: roads around North Port Noeul Park, the alley next to the former Fisheries Cooperative Auction House, roads near the International Passenger Terminal, in front of Dongmyeong-dong Comprehensive Fish Market, the entrance to Samhakdo Ilwoo Shipyard, and the road in front of Gabbawi Hanyang Chicken.
Given the possibility of backflow through storm drains and seawater inundation in coastal areas, the city will enhance on-site patrols and monitoring during high tide periods.
The city has also installed banners warning of potential road flooding due to rising seawater levels and is promoting parking restrictions along affected roads to ensure residents are aware of the risks associated with rising tides.
Emergency operations will focus on the two hours before and after high tide. On-site personnel will monitor flooding conditions in real-time and check the operational status of stormwater pump stations. In the event of flooding, the city plans to coordinate with police and fire departments to control traffic and guide nearby residents regarding vehicle movement.
On August 12, actual water levels reached 5.27 meters, exceeding the forecast of 4.90 meters, prompting a storm surge warning from 1:20 AM to 3:00 AM.
In response, Mokpo City deployed 25 personnel, including Kim Sang-moon, to emergency duty from 11:50 PM the previous night until 3:50 AM on August 12, activating stormwater pump stations along the coastal road and in Manho-dong, while conducting vehicle control and on-site monitoring in flood-prone areas.
As a result, some seawater entered the six designated flood-prone areas, but natural drainage occurred, and no significant damage or flooding complaints were reported.
During this tidal increase period, the city has organized teams for sewage maintenance, sewage facilities, flood prevention, and sewage administration to enhance on-site response capabilities. Staff have been assigned to vulnerable areas such as Gabbawi, the coastal road, North Port, and Samhakdo, with a system established to share real-time updates on conditions through a situation room.
Kim Sang-moon, head of the sewage department, emphasized the importance of monitoring actual water levels and seawater inflow rather than solely relying on forecasts. He stated, "We will thoroughly prepare for preemptive inspections in flood-prone areas, ensure the readiness of stormwater pump stations, and enhance public awareness to prevent inconvenience and property damage to citizens."
He added, "Particular caution is needed for vehicle traffic and parking in low-lying coastal areas during high tide periods. We will maintain vigilance and respond based on on-site conditions until the tidal increase period concludes."
Mokpo City plans to continue monitoring tidal conditions until August 16, focusing on inspections of vulnerable areas, traffic control preparations, and stormwater pump station checks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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