Yoon designates 5 special disaster zones after deadly downpours

Jul 16, 2024, 10:13 am

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Military personnel work to support restoration of flood damage in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province that was hit by heavy rain on July 13, 2024./ Courtesy of Nonsan City

AsiaToday reporter Hong Sun-mi

President Yoon Suk-yeol on Monday designated five areas in the central and southern regions as special disaster zones following recent deadly downpours. The five are Yeongdong in North Chungcheong Province, Nonsan and Seocheon in South Chungcheong Province, Wanju in North Jeolla Province and a part of Yeongyang in North Gyeongsang Province.

“My heart is heavy over the unfortunate damage caused by the record downpours,” Yoon said. “Promptly carry out emergency recovery work and damage surveys in the affected areas, as there is concern about additional damage with the monsoon front moving north against this week.”

Yoon also ordered related agencies including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to make every effort to maintain full readiness in other regions.

The president issued a similar message during a weekly meeting with his senior secretaries earlier in the day, saying every effort should be made to prepare against possible rain damage, including thorough inspections of embankments and drainage facilities.

The areas declared as special disaster zones are those where a preliminary damage survey has been completed. The government plans to consider adding more special disaster zones after completing a joint damage survey of other affected areas by the end of this month.

The designation of a special disaster zone makes the area eligible for the government’s financial support for recovery work, relief funds for victims and other benefits.

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