Seoul: A special committee of the ruling People Power Party called on the government Thursday to designate more special disaster zones to cope with the deadly wildfires that have ravaged the country's southeastern region for days. During its first meeting at the National Assembly, the committee also asked the government to provide subsidies to support the special disaster zones in advance.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Lee Man-hee, serving as the committee chair, emphasized the need for significant expansion of special disaster zones. He highlighted areas such as Andong, Yeongyang, and Cheongsong as additional regions that require immediate attention. Lee stated in a press briefing, "We will actively ask the government to expand the designation of the areas."
Currently, the southeastern counties of Sancheong, Ulju, Uiseong, and Hadong have been declared special disaster zones, which can receive government support measures. Lee also urged the government to use its special disaster relief funds, estimated at around 500 billion won (US$341.1 million), to swiftly assist the wildfire-affected regions.