Icheon City Wins Triple Award for National Disaster Management Excellence

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Icheon City has been selected as a triple award winner for national disaster management excellence.

The city announced on the 17th that Icheon City (organization) will receive a commendation from the Minister of Interior and Safety, the Icheon Volunteer Center Foundation (organization) will receive a Prime Minister commendation, and Kim Nam-sung, head of the Icheon Autonomous Disaster Prevention Group (individual), will receive a Presidential commendation.

In response to heavy snowfall damage in November of last year, the city swiftly activated the disaster management headquarters and worked closely with the private, public, and military sectors to expedite recovery efforts in the agricultural sector and other areas. It also operated a special damage investigation group, conducted rapid damage surveys, and operated an integrated support center for heavy snow damage.

In particular, through one-stop administrative support, the city prepared additional support measures for affected farms (livestock and agricultural sectors, etc.) that fell short of support standards, and concentrated efforts on providing disaster relief funds and public facility recovery projects. As a result of actively participating in the "Safe Korea Disaster Response Drill," the city was selected as an "excellent" agency for three consecutive years in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The Icheon Autonomous Disaster Prevention Group also worked closely with the city in activities to prevent heat-related illnesses in preparation for heat waves, inspections of drainage and catch basins, surveillance during the summer disaster preparedness period, and winter snow removal support activities. It ranked 2nd nationally in 2023 and 1st nationally in 2024 in the Ministry of Interior and Safety's evaluation of autonomous disaster prevention groups.

Mayor Kim Kyung-hee said, "We are always responding proactively to create a safe city free from disasters, and in that process, many organizations and agencies including the city, the Icheon Volunteer Center, and the Icheon Autonomous Disaster Prevention Group have made efforts, so we are honored to receive this award." She added, "Going forward, we will work to ensure optimal disaster management through close cooperation between the private, public, and military sectors."