Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok Requests Declaration of 'Special Disaster Areas' for 7 Cities and Counties in Jeonnam, Including Gurye

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, has requested the declaration of a special disaster area for seven cities and counties in Jeonnam, including Gurye.

On the 9th, Governor Kim met with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, who visited Jeonnam to inspect the flood damage, and said, "Please additionally declare seven cities and counties with severe damage, including Naju, Gurye, Gokseong, Damyang, Jangseong, Yeonggwang, and Hwasun, as 'special disaster areas.'"

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung visited the Yeongsangang Flood Control Office located in Gwangju to check the flood management situation, and then visited Gokseong and Damyang to inspect the damage and recovery status such as landslides and road washouts.

Through the on-site visit, Prime Minister Chung said, "I extend my condolences to all residents affected by the recent heavy rain," and added, "We will apply the disaster area criteria to the Jeonnam region, declare it a special disaster area, and provide active support."

Governor Kim stated, "The damage from this heavy rain is so severe that there is concern about an increased burden on local finances, which are already strained due to COVID-19," and actively requested, "Please expand national funding support related to this flood recovery."

A special disaster area is declared by the President to support recovery for regions that have suffered significant damage due to major accidents or natural disasters.

When declared a special disaster area, a portion of the local government’s share of the costs required for damage recovery is additionally supported by the national treasury.

Accordingly, local governments can reduce the financial burden incurred for recovery, and affected residents can receive additional support such as disaster relief funds and public utility fee reductions.

In fact, residents can benefit from reductions in health insurance premiums, electricity, telecommunications, city gas, and district heating fees, as well as exemptions from military service mobilization and reserve forces training.

Meanwhile, as of 1 p.m. on the 9th, the damage in Jeonnam due to the recent heavy rain includes 10 casualties, including 9 deaths, damage to 1,895 houses, flooding of 6,202 hectares of farmland, partial washout of 6 river embankments, and soil erosion on 114 road slopes.