South Korea inspects wildfire survivor shelters after heavy rain damage

South Korea's Ministry of the Interior and Safety, along with the Gyeongbuk provincial government, is conducting a comprehensive inspection of 2,084 temporary housing units across five cities in the Gyeongbuk region. This action follows heavy rainfall on July 18 that damaged temporary shelters for wildfire survivors in Andong and Uiseong. The downpour caused flooding in 20 temporary homes, forcing 11 households, comprising 15 individuals, to relocate to community centers and temporary shelters. Authorities are prioritizing the safety and stability of these residences, particularly by installing anchor bolts to prevent displacement by rain or typhoons. Of the 1,935 occupied temporary units, 732 lack anchor bolts, and 79 of the 164 reserve units also need this reinforcement. The provincial government is also intensifying checks on landslide-vulnerable areas, especially those near the temporary housing. Sixty-five complexes, totaling 148 units, situated close to or at the foot of mountains, have been designated for focused management. While no temporary housing is currently located within identified landslide risk zones, the government is taking proactive measures. Discussions are underway to relocate affected residents to alternative temporary facilities, such as modular homes within the Kwon Jeong-saeng Children's Story Park in Andong. This initiative aims to ensure the swift restoration of safe living conditions for the displaced survivors.

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We will mobilize all administrative power and finances to do our best for swift and certain recovery so that they can return to a safe daily life as soon as possible.