Korea Water Resources Corporation Activates 24-Hour Emergency Response System Nationwide for Dams... 'Proactive Response'

[Financial News] Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) has switched to a 24-hour emergency response system for all watersheds nationwide as the storm and flood crisis alert has been raised to the 'serious' stage.
President Yoon Seok-dae of K-water convened an emergency response meeting on the 17th and ordered, "We will place the lives and safety of the people at the center of all responses," and called for real-time inspection and thorough follow-up actions for all watershed situations.
During the meeting, the rainfall and water level status, dam discharge plans, and response measures according to weather forecasts of each watershed headquarters, including the Han River, Geum River, Yeongsan River, Seomjin River, and Nakdong River, were intensively inspected. President Yoon particularly emphasized flexible operation of dams and gate control to prevent downstream damage, considering the pinpoint rainfall patterns that varied by region.
Currently, the 20 multipurpose dams managed by K-water are operating stably within the flood control limit water level. As of 4 PM on the same day, the national average reservoir rate is 47%, which is at the usual level, and Gunnam Dam, Hantan River Dam, and Peace Dam are also maintaining normal water levels.
However, Boryeong Dam, where rainfall has been concentrated since the 16th, started releasing water at a maximum rate of 300 tons per second from 3 PM on the same day. K-water is continuing communication with local residents, including broadcasting announcements to prevent downstream damage before the release. Namgang Dam (reservoir rate 33%) and Miryang Dam (65%) are also expected to see an increase in inflow and are considering discharge.
K-water plans to engage in flexible discharge through pre-analysis of each dam, as more than 300mm of rainfall is forecast until this weekend. Additionally, it is preparing for all-round responses such as emergency power checks against lightning damage, preventing the loss of water facilities, and securing bottled water and equipment.
President Yoon stated, "We are maintaining a 24-hour emergency system with the lives and safety of the people at the center of all responses and responding swiftly to changes in the situation," and added, "We will continue proactive responses without letting our guard down until the heavy rain ends."

en1302@fnnews.com Jang In-seo Reporter