Seoul: Samsung Group and other South Korean conglomerates have ramped up relief and recovery efforts for residents affected by recent flooding across the country, the companies said Tuesday. Samsung Group announced a donation of 3 billion won (US$2.17 million) in cash and supplies to support the recovery in the flood-hit areas. Additionally, Samsung Electronics Co. has begun offering free inspections and repairs for flooded home appliances and smartphones as of Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, SK Group has contributed 2.3 billion won in cash and supplies to aid recovery efforts in the affected regions, including Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province. Affiliates of the group are also providing on-site assistance. SK hynix Inc., the chipmaking arm of SK Group, has donated 175 packages of relief tents and floor mats for displaced residents in Asan and Yesan counties in South Chungcheong Province. Meanwhile, SK Telecom Co. has set up mobile phone charging stations, distributed portable chargers, and supplied other emergency goods.
LG Group and Hyundai Motor Group have each donated 2 billion won to nationwide recovery efforts. LG Electronics Inc. has established emergency repair centers in South Chungcheong Province to service damaged home appliances. LG H and H Co. has provided personal care products, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shampoo, while LG Uplus Corp. is offering telecommunications services to displaced residents. Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Corp. have announced plans to cut repair charges by up to 50 percent for vehicles damaged by flooding.
Steelmaker POSCO Group and shipbuilding group HD Hyundai have each contributed 2 billion won to relief efforts. Retail giant Lotte Group has delivered 1 billion won to support the affected regions. The torrential rains, which began on Wednesday, have resulted in floods and landslides, leaving at least 18 people dead, with the heaviest damage reported in southern regions, including Sancheong.