Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday designated six areas in the central and southern regions as special disaster zones following recent deadly downpours. The designations were made for Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province, Seosan and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province, Damyang in South Jeolla Province, and Sancheong and Hapcheon in South Gyeongsang Province. These areas were given the special status at 6:44 p.m., as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the designation of a special disaster zone allows the affected areas to receive government financial support for recovery work, relief funds for victims, and other benefits. President Lee emphasized the importance of mobilizing all government assistance to help residents in the affected regions return to their daily lives swiftly. He urged government officials to expedite their administrative processes to facilitate this.
The torrential rains have caused significant havoc, triggering floods and landslides since last Wednesday. At least 19 people have died, with the most severe damage reported in the southern regions.