'Record Rainfall in Geoje' Preemptive Evacuation, Control of Hazardous Areas... 3 Billion Won in Special Grants

Director Yun Hojung Convenes Rainfall Response Meeting on August 17

"Rain Clouds Moving Toward Nearby Regions... A Highly Serious Situation"

Focus on Residents' Return to Daily Life... Orders for Recovery Measures

As damage continued to be reported in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province due to record-breaking heavy rainfall, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters convened a meeting on August 17 to discuss recovery measures.

At the meeting, Director Yun Hojung stated, "Since August 15, over 800 mm of unprecedented rainfall has poured over Geoje in South Gyeongsang Province due to the heavy showers. The rain clouds are now moving toward nearby regions such as Busan and Ulsan, creating a highly serious situation as the rain continues to fall."

He added, "Tragically, there were casualties resulting from a landslide overnight, and with various areas in the city inundated, my heart feels heavy."

Yoon Hochung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, is giving an opening remark at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting for heavy rain response from August 15 to 17' held at the Government Sejong Complex on the morning of the 17th. Provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety

The meeting addressed several key issues: the status of on-site rescues and relief operations for displaced residents, emergency restoration of damaged facilities and preventive measures against further damage, as well as inspection and safety measures for hazard-prone areas such as high-water rivers and locations vulnerable to landslides.

The government raised the disaster crisis alert level to 'Caution' the previous day, and as of 6 a.m. this morning, activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for a comprehensive response.

Director Yun emphasized, "Above all, the most important matter is to alleviate the suffering of affected residents and help them return to normal life as quickly as possible." He instructed the implementation of detailed recovery measures focused on minimizing inconvenience for residents.

He called for the full mobilization of available personnel and equipment to concentrate efforts on swiftly rescuing isolated residents. He also requested thorough preemptive evacuation for those living in low-lying areas and regions adjacent to forests to prevent damage, and proactive controls in flood-prone areas to block resident access.

He asked local governments to carefully provide drinking water, daily necessities, and hygiene products to evacuees staying in temporary shelters. He also called on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment to closely cooperate for the prompt restoration of essential facilities such as roads, rivers, and power, which are closely connected to residents' daily lives.

A scene from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 17th. Provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety

Additionally, to facilitate rapid recovery in the affected regions and stabilize residents' livelihoods, the government decided to urgently support Gwangju in South Jeolla Province, Busan, and South Gyeongsang Province with 3 billion won in special grants and 40 million won allocated for disaster relief projects.

This funding will be used for emergency repairs to public facilities such as damaged roads and rivers, as well as relief for displaced residents and immediate support for the livelihood stability of victims.

Director Yun stated, "With the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters at the core, we will mobilize all available government resources to do our utmost for recovery," adding, "We will continue to support the victims until they can return to normal life as soon as possible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.