Typhoon Damage: 5 Cities and Counties, 19 Eup, Myeon, and Dong Designated as 'Special Disaster Areas' in Second Round

On the 7th of this month, heavy rain brought by Typhoon Haishen, the 10th typhoon, caused erosion around Wonamgyo Bridge in Wonam-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The government announced on the 23rd that it will designate five cities and counties, including Goseong-gun in Gangwon Province and Gyeongju-si in Gyeongbuk Province, which suffered significant damage from Typhoons 'Maysak' and 'Haishen' earlier this month, as well as 19 eup, myeon, and dong areas including Gijang-eup in Gijang-gun, Busan, and Daepo-dong in Sokcho-si, Gangwon Province, as special disaster zones.

Previously, on the 15th, five cities and counties severely affected by the typhoons?Samcheok and Yangyang in Gangwon, and Yeongdeok, Uljin, and Ulleung in Gyeongbuk?were first designated as special disaster zones. This second designation adds some of the damaged areas that were excluded from the initial announcement. As a result, a total of 10 cities and counties and 19 eup, myeon, and dong areas have been designated as special disaster zones.

In these areas, part of the local government’s share of the restoration costs will be additionally supported by the central government. Residents who suffered damage to their homes or main livelihoods such as agriculture and fisheries will receive disaster relief funds for living support, along with additional benefits such as reductions in electricity bills and other public utility charges.

Jin Young, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, "To assist residents and regions severely affected by the recent typhoons, we are promoting the designation of special disaster zones twice, including eup, myeon, and dong areas. We will do our best together with local governments to ensure that recovery projects proceed without any setbacks."