Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday designated 36 additional areas in the central and southern regions as special disaster zones following deadly downpours last month.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the newly designated areas include Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province; Cheonan, Gongju, and Asan in South Chungcheong Province; Naju in South Jeolla Province; as well as Jinju and Euiryeong in South Gyeongsang Province, as announced by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The designation of these areas as special disaster zones makes them eligible for government financial support aimed at recovery work, relief funds for victims, and other benefits. This decision follows a prior designation by President Lee, which included six areas such as Gapyeong, Seosan, Damyang, and Sancheong.
"The government must swiftly devise plans for the recovery of the affected areas and execute related budget to help residents return to their daily lives as soon as possible," emphasized President Lee. The torrential rains, which occurred from July 16-20, resulted in floods and landslides across the country, causing at least 26 fatalities, with the most severe damage reported in the southern regions.