Nationwide Flood Preparedness Volunteer Efforts for the 2024 Rainy Season

As summer approaches and sudden heavy rainstorms become more frequent due to climate change, the rainy season has become increasingly unpredictable. In response, the government and local authorities are intensifying efforts to prepare by inspecting flood-prone areas and rainwater pumping stations, and by supporting the installation of flood barriers in residential buildings.

The Church of God has contributed by helping manage drainage systems to prevent flood damage and ensure community safety during the summer. From May 26 to July 8, over 8,300 church members across 42 regions in Korea—including Seoul, Namyangju, Changwon, and Gwangju—worked to clean drainage systems in flood-risk areas such as roads, low-lying residential neighborhoods, and parks. This effort is part of the “Creating Sustainable Cities” initiative, one of the six key areas of the “Global Hope Challenge,” which is being implemented globally to mark the church’s 60th anniversary.

Equipped with tongs and sandbags provided by local governments, the volunteers went to work at the designated sites. They encountered drains clogged with household trash like cigarette butts and snack wrappers, along with sediment washed in by rainwater. In some instances, weeds had grown in the sediment, further obstructing the drains. The volunteers worked in small groups, lifting drain grates to remove trash with tongs or wading into the drains to clear out waist-high weeds and sediment. They also cleaned the surrounding areas to prevent debris from entering the drains and removed mud that had accumulated on the grates. Despite being drenched in sweat and covered in dirt, the volunteers maintained a positive atmosphere, with cheerful laughter filling the air.

Neighbors passing by expressed their gratitude, saying, “With the rainy season approaching, we were worried about flooding. Seeing the drains being cleaned gives us peace of mind.” Jeon Mi-ryeong, a church member from Gangneung who participated in drain maintenance last year, shared, “I once experienced my kitchen flooding after a typhoon, and we couldn’t cook for days. Flooding doesn’t feel like someone else’s problem to me, so I participate in drain maintenance every year to help ensure no one else has to go through that.”

Yoon Tae-woong, a member of the Incheon Bupyeong District Council, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers and emphasized the importance of flood awareness. He recalled, “Two years ago, heavy rains caused water to rise waist-high in front of the Bupyeong District Office, resulting in significant damage for local merchants.” He thanked the church members and hoped for continued cooperation. Kim Soo-hee, Head of Anyang 3-dong, added, “Every rainy season, about 100 members of the Church of God come to maintain the rainwater drains, which is a tremendous help. Both residents and government officials are always grateful to the Church of God.”

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