Selection, operation, and maintenance of disaster routes for effective disaster response

Yuk Dong-hyeong, Associate Research Fellow

Summary

1> Earthquakes and extreme weather events are pressing global issues and Korea is no longer safe from such phenomena 

2> In the midst of changing conditions, disaster routes for effective disaster response are not established yet in Korea. Hence, there is a need to develop a comprehensive master plan and detailed implementation measures 

3> Need to provide guidelines for selecting disaster routes based on scientific analysis of the characteristics of disaster occurrence in order to identify areas vulnerable to disasters and surrounding conditions of road infrastructure

4> Establish strategies to operate the selected disaster routes upon disaster and provide measures to maintain their given functions as usual

Policy proposals

① Develop guidelines for local governments and their administrative units to support them establish the criteria for selecting disaster routes based on disaster vulnerabilities and operate and maintain the routes

② Implement maintenance policies to reinforce the disaster resistance and resilience (against drought, heavy rain, high temperature, etc.) in parallel so that the selected routes can play the expected roles

③ Urgently develop an information control system that comprehensively manages the status of disaster routes and detailed information (such as flood control facilities and seismic design) for effective maintenance of the routes and maintain capabilities for disaster preparedness and resilience 

④ Constantly carry out education and promotional activities for local residents including distribution of emergency response manuals containing the status of disaster routes​