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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

President Lee declares Geoje, Tongyeong special disaster zones after heavy floods

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung declared Geoje and Tongyeong as special disaster zones following severe flooding.
  • The declaration provides additional national funding and relief measures for affected residents.
  • The government is assessing other damaged areas for potential special disaster zone status.

President Lee Jae-myung has declared the southern coastal cities of Geoje and Tongyeong as special disaster zones after they suffered extensive damage from unprecedented heavy rainfall between August 15 and 18. The declaration, made on August 21, aims to expedite recovery efforts and provide crucial support to residents impacted by the deluge.

President Lee Jae-myung has declared the southern coastal cities of Geoje and Tongyeong as special disaster zones after they suffered extensive damage from unprecedented heavy rainfall between August 15 and 18.

— Kang Yoo-jeong, Senior SpokespersonAnnouncing the presidential decision to designate the areas as special disaster zones.

The designation as a special disaster zone unlocks significant national resources for reconstruction. Affected residents will also benefit from additional support, including the deferral of national and local tax payments and reductions in public utility fees. The government has pledged to mobilize all available personnel and resources to ensure swift damage assessment and restoration work.

The government is mobilizing all available personnel and resources to ensure swift damage assessment and restoration work.

— Kang Yoo-jeong, Senior SpokespersonDescribing the government's commitment to recovery efforts.

While Geoje and parts of Tongyeong have been prioritized, the government is conducting detailed damage assessments in other affected areas. If these areas meet the criteria, they will also be considered for special disaster zone status. This comprehensive approach underscores the administration's commitment to addressing the widespread impact of the recent extreme weather event across the region.

If other damaged areas meet the criteria, they will also be considered for special disaster zone status.

— Kang Yoo-jeong, Senior SpokespersonIndicating that the disaster zone designation may be extended to other affected regions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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