Nationwide Flood Prevention During the Monsoon Season 2025

As the flood season (June 21 to September 20) approaches, with increasing risks of heavy rain and typhoons, the government and local municipalities have been busy installing flood barriers and monitoring areas prone to inundation. In support of a safe summer for local communities, the Church of God also carried out storm drain maintenance and cleaning activities. From June 15 to July 13, more than 7,700 members across the country—including in Seoul, Incheon, Taebaek, Changwon, and Iksan—rolled up their sleeves to take part. During this period, a total of over 80 storm drain cleaning volunteer events were conducted. Local governments welcomed and supported these efforts by providing cleaning tools such as sandbags, shovels, and brooms.

Storm drains play a vital role in directing rainwater into the sewage system. If just two-thirds of a drain’s entrance is blocked, the resulting flooded area can nearly triple—underscoring the importance of regular maintenance. Drawing on years of volunteer experience, members of the Church of God divided responsibilities and carried out the cleaning operation in a well-organized and efficient manner. While one volunteer lifted the heavy drain covers along roadsides and sidewalks, the other two or three team members used tongs and shovels to remove dirt and debris. The drains, some as shallow as 30 centimeters and others over a meter deep, were often clogged with dried leaves, cigarette butts, and various types of waste. Despite the foul odor, volunteers worked diligently to remove every last bit of trash. They also searched for and cleaned storm drains hidden under piles of fallen leaves or obscured by grates.

To keep the drains from getting clogged again, the volunteers also cleaned surrounding streets. They focused on narrow alleys and hidden gutters, where residents usually don’t reach, and meticulously picked up even the smallest litter, like candy wrappers. Despite the hot and humid weather, the volunteers worked with smiles on their faces, sweating heavily but cheerfully. Some local citizens expressed gratitude and encouragement, offering refreshments or kind words to the volunteers.

Choi Gwang-ja, a volunteer from Seoul, said, “I once helped a friend who had suffered flood damage, and it broke my heart. Since then, I can’t just walk past a blocked storm drain. I cleaned joyfully today, not even noticing the heat, because I felt I was helping protect my neighbors.”

At a volunteer event on June 25 near the Nakdong Gang River in Andong, Jeong Jin-young, Head of Gangnam-dong, expressed his appreciation, saying, “I sincerely thank the Church of God for their practical and heartfelt volunteer service. Their actions, carried out with the heart of a mother, are deeply moving to our society.”

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