Assemblyman Seodongyong Urges Prompt Recovery of Flood-Damaged Areas and Priority Declaration of Special Disaster Zones

Proposal for Comprehensive Inter-Ministerial Support Measures Beyond Emergency Relief for Disaster Victims to Stabilize Livelihoods

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Seo Dong-yong, Member of the National Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Jeonnam Suncheon-si, Gwangyang-si, Gokseong-gun, Gurye-gun (Eul)), visited flood damage sites in Gokseong, Gurye, and Gwangyang, which suffered severe damage such as landslides due to continuous heavy rain last week, and announced that he would urge the government to promptly declare these areas as special disaster zones and prepare comprehensive government support measures for rapid recovery and stabilization of the affected residents' livelihoods.

According to Jeonnam Province, from August 5 to 9, heavy rainfall of 587mm in Gokseong, 541mm in Gurye, and 419mm in Damyang caused damage including 9 deaths, 1 missing person, and 3,160 displaced persons as of the morning of August 10. In addition, 1,898 houses and 7,243 hectares of agricultural land, including 6,546 hectares of rice paddies, were flooded or otherwise damaged.

In Gokseong, where human casualties occurred due to landslides, 6 houses were completely destroyed and 5 houses were partially damaged. In Gurye, where rivers such as the Seomjin River and Gurye Seosicheon overflowed, significant damage occurred, including flooding of 1,182 houses.

Due to the rising water level of the Seomjin River, 2,249 displaced persons occurred in four nearby cities and counties. Currently, 574 have returned home, while 1,675 are evacuated to nearby elementary and middle schools and village senior centers.

Assemblyman Seo Dong-yong visited flood damage sites including Osan-myeon in Gokseong, Seosicheon 1-gyo in Gurye, and Daap-myeon in Gwangyang to promptly assess the damage and assist with recovery efforts on site. He also personally comforted displaced residents who had evacuated to elementary and middle schools and village community centers.

Assemblyman Seo judged that proactive support is necessary for local governments’ rapid recovery and damage relief due to the severe damage caused by this heavy rain and plans to request the central government to expedite the declaration of special disaster zones.

Typically, the declaration of special disaster zones takes more than two weeks after joint damage investigations by local governments and the central government. However, it is explained that by conducting an urgent preliminary damage survey, the period can be shortened, allowing for priority declaration of special disaster zones and enabling national funding support for damage facility restoration and stabilization of affected residents' livelihoods.

Once declared a special disaster zone, residents who suffer damage to their homes and livelihoods such as agriculture and fisheries receive disaster relief funds along with additional benefits such as reductions in various public utility charges including electricity bills.

Assemblyman Seo stated, “Given the severity of the damage caused by this heavy rain, comprehensive government support measures are needed beyond emergency relief for displaced residents to stabilize their livelihoods.”

He also explained that support is needed not only for the restoration of rivers, roads, railways, and water supply and sewage systems washed away by floods but also for infrastructure such as energy and telecommunications, as well as disaster waste disposal. Furthermore, comprehensive government-level support measures tailored to displaced persons, including customized tax and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed individuals already struggling due to COVID-19, are necessary.

Assemblyman Seo Dong-yong expressed deep sorrow over the many damages caused by landslide burial accidents, rapid river currents, and flooding, and comforted the affected residents. He also urged local governments and officials to “take measures to prevent further tragic accidents” and requested that “causes be resolved and comprehensive recovery plans be established to prevent recurrence of flood damage in the affected areas.”