Ministry of the Interior and Safety Considers Declaring Geoje and Tongyeong as Special Disaster Zones... Preliminary Damage Assessment Underway

Minister Ho-jung Yoon Inspects Damage Sites in Tongyeong and Geoje
Landslides, Residential and Road Flooding... 3 Billion Won Special Grant Provided
"Proactive Evacuations to Prevent Further Casualties"

The government has decided to consider declaring Geoje and Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province as special disaster zones following the record-breaking heavy rainfall that caused extensive damage.

On August 18, Minister of the Interior and Safety Ho-jung Yoon, who also serves as the head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, visited the affected areas of Tongyeong and Geoje to review onsite recovery operations. He inspected the scene to assess the damage and checked on the progress of damage surveys and emergency repairs to ensure a swift response.

From August 15, for three consecutive days, extremely heavy rain fell over the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province, leading to unprecedented cumulative precipitation records. In particular, Geoje recorded 954.8 mm and Tongyeong 763.0 mm of rainfall, with almost 100 mm per hour at peak times, resulting in landslides, flooding of homes and roads, and subsequently, emergency evacuations of residents.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local governments are mobilizing all available resources through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to manage the affected areas and help residents return to their daily lives. The government has already provided a special grant of 3 billion won and 40 million won in disaster relief funds for emergency repairs and support to displaced residents.

On this day, Minister Yoon visited the flooded underground parking lot at Ilseong Yusu-an Apartment in Tongyeong to inspect the aftermath and encouraged disaster safety officials, firefighters, and other related personnel who contributed to pumping out water and rescuing people. He also emphasized the strict management of underground spaces, including underground parking lots, to prevent further flooding and safety accidents.

At the site, Seokjoo Kang, Mayor of Tongyeong, requested the government to “declare the area a special disaster zone, considering the severe damage.” Minister Yoon responded by saying, “Preliminary damage assessments are already underway starting today, and we will actively review the proposal to declare a special disaster zone.”

In the case of natural disasters, a special disaster zone can be declared if damages exceed 2.5 times the government-designated standard for state financial support. The head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters may recommend that the President declare a special disaster zone, considering the extent of casualties and property damage. If designated as a special disaster zone, the state increases its share of recovery expenses, and support for residents—including livelihood assistance, tax, insurance, and medical benefits—is greatly expanded.

After visiting Samdo Royal Mansion in Geoje to inspect the torrential rainfall damage and emergency repair efforts, Minister Yoon urged that all available personnel and equipment be deployed to speed up recovery, ensuring affected residents can return to normal as quickly as possible.

Minister Yoon stated, “We will immediately conduct preliminary damage assessments and swiftly implement all necessary measures, including proposing the area for special disaster zone designation. The government will mobilize all available personnel and resources to manage the aftermath and recovery to the fullest extent possible.”

He added, “Even after the rain stops, weakened ground and elevated river levels pose ongoing risks. Please remain vigilant to the very end and proactively evacuate residents at the first sign of danger to prevent further casualties.”

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