Seoul deploys AI, high-capacity pumps to combat summer floods

Facing the growing threat of localized torrential rains and typhoons fueled by climate change, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is radically modernizing its emergency infrastructure. The city unveiled Wednesday a comprehensive reinforcement of its rescue operations, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and heavy-duty industrial hardware to protect the capital ahead of the summer flood season. Under a comprehensive disaster response plan running through October, the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters will operate an integrated command system designed for rapid deployments during complex water-related crises. The centerpiece of this year's defense is a new fleet of specialized tactical vehicles. The city has deployed high-capacity hydraulic drainage vehicles to the flood-prone districts of Gangnam and Yangcheon. These advanced machines utilize hydraulic pumps capable of draining up to 50 tons of water per minute from depths of up to 30 meters, allowing engineers to selectively clear deep subterranean spaces and low-lying roads. These will work alongside low-clearance f