Public Safety Is Paramount, Rescuer Safety Also Urged... Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Makes Final Decision on Special Disaster Area Declaration
[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] On the 3rd, President Moon Jae-in urged that minimizing casualties be the top priority and that thorough safety management be ensured in relation to the heavy rains concentrated in the central region.
Yoon Jae-kwan, deputy spokesperson of the Blue House, stated during an afternoon briefing at the Chunchoo-gwan, "President Moon Jae-in received reports on the damage situation related to the heavy rains in the central region and expressed regret over the threat to citizens' lives and the increasing property damage caused by the sudden downpour."
In particular, Deputy Spokesperson Yoon emphasized, "(President Moon) especially urged that minimizing casualties be the top priority and that thorough safety management be ensured, instructing that due to the significantly weakened ground from continuous rain, inspections and management should be conducted doubly and triply."
President Moon said, "Above all, the safety of the people is the most important. I hope the government and local governments will make every effort to prevent additional casualties," adding, "Low-lying areas prone to flooding, areas at risk of landslides or collapses should be strictly controlled in advance, and residents should be evacuated to prevent tragic losses as much as possible."
President Moon also said, "I hope the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, fire rescue teams, police, and local government officials on site will make every effort in rescue operations and emergency recovery. Please pay special attention to safety during rescue operations to ensure that no more lives are lost during the rescue process."
President Moon emphasized, "I hope efforts will be made to provide the public with information quickly and accurately," adding, "The government, local governments, and broadcasters should provide the public with fast and detailed information on weather conditions, dangerous areas, and resident action guidelines."
President Moon added, "I also ask the public for their cooperation. Please pay close attention to disaster alert broadcasts and exercise special caution when going out or engaging in outdoor activities."
Meanwhile, a Blue House official explained regarding President Moon's instructions, "The president received reports in the usual manner for major national issues," adding, "He spoke during a meeting where he urged his aides to ensure thorough response to the heavy rain situation."
Additionally, the Blue House official said regarding the declaration of special disaster zones, "There have been several decisions related to the declaration of special disaster zones this year as well. Local governments and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) consult, and the CDSCH makes the final decision. We will inform you as soon as the CDSCH makes a decision."
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