1930년대 중후반 조선총독부의 水防團 설치와 수해 ‘警戒防禦’ 활동

Abstract

This paper investigates the defense against floods organization that was installed after the great flood damage of 1934 and had been active since. Called following the flood damage of 1934, the temporary investigation committee for flood control resolved to establish a defense against floods organization in each province. They first compared Japan’s irrigation association act with Joseon’s rules for the defense against floods organization.
 They also analyzed the table of organization in the defense against floods organization. The defense against floods committee was called mainly by the high-ranking officials of each province for every rainy season and served as a control tower to supervise the overall reactions to flood damage. The defense against floods organization worked as an action member to practice its measures.
 The defense against floods organization carried out the following activities: first, they practiced technologically. Their emergency method of construction against floods was an emergency measure for such accidents as the breaking and leakage of an embankment; secondly, they assisted police activities, restricting words and actions regarding flood damage to stabilize the public sentiment; and finally, they served at local events, advertising the legitimacy of power. After the Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937, they collaborated with Japan for its war efforts like other organizations supportive of the war.
 The study also examined the significance and limitations of the defense against floods organization through its activities. Its biggest issue derived from its financial crunch as a local organization. There was no proper anti-erosion work, and meteorological observation facilities were in shortage. These factors made the organization’s activities difficult, but it was opposite to the overall positive tone of media reports. The activities of the organization were integrated into the guard defense organization in 1939, which marked the end of the organization.