South Korean authorities conduct multi-agency disaster response drills

South Korean regional and maritime authorities are conducting large-scale disaster response drills to prepare for complex, simultaneous emergencies.

Gyeongju City will hold the ‘2026 Disaster Response Safety Korea Drill’ on the 28th. The exercise simulates a complex disaster involving a large-scale fire, an electric vehicle fire, and a power outage at a crowded facility, with fire spreading to a nearby park. Participating agencies include the Gyeongju Police Station, Gyeongju Fire Station, Korea Electric Power Corporation, and various safety organizations. The drill focuses on establishing emergency medical stations, controlling traffic, and utilizing specialized equipment to suppress electric vehicle fires.

In Busan, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, in coordination with the Busan Port Authority and Busan Dong-gu District, will conduct a maritime disaster drill at the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal. This exercise simulates an earthquake and tsunami causing fires and ship collisions. A specific focus is placed on responding to lithium-ion battery thermal runaway in electric propulsion vessels, which presents unique challenges for fire suppression and marine pollution control. The drill aims to test the command system and inter-agency cooperation during multi-stage responses, including life rescue and maritime pollution prevention.