[The Hwankyung Ilbo] Recent signs of serious volcanic eruptions, such as volcanic earthquakes, gas and diastrophism, have continuously raised the need for fundamental research into when and on what scale the mountain will erupt and for active countermeasures at the pan-national level.

Rep. Shim Jae-kwon and Rep. Lee Sang-min of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) held a parliamentary debate on the topic of ‘What to do for the Mount Baekdu volcano?’ on April 15 with some 100 experts from academia, research institutes, media and government ministries attending.

Mt. Baekdu is a very dangerous active volcano where the existence of a huge magma has been identified underground. In particular, there were signs of serious volcanic eruptions, with more than 3,000 volcanic earthquakes occurring between 2002 and 2005.

In the first session, experts shared the status of research on volcanic disaster in Mt. Baekdu, including scientific research plan on volcanic disasters and the importance of practical inter-Korean joint cooperation studies, establishment of measures to deal with volcanic disasters and the necessity of establishing and operating a volcano monitoring system.

During the second session, experts discussed humanitarian solutions and countermeasures, such as systematic monitoring using effective strategies and scientific methods to prepare for the future eruption of Mt. Baekdu and the establishment of a state-level support system to effectively respond to volcanic eruption.

“We will actively seek policy support measures at the National Assembly and the government level to promote inter-Korean science and technology cooperation research on Mt. Baekdu,” said Rep. Lee Sang-min. “We will continue to pay attention to the policy on Mt. Baekdu by cooperating with North Korea and China.”

조수빈 리포터  press@hkbs.co.kr

<저작권자 © 환경일보, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>