Yoon Monitored Typhoon Damage Overnight... Expected to Conduct On-Site Inspection with Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior and Safety
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] "Those filming the video are also at risk. Prompt action must be taken."
President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his sorrow over the news of a missing man in his 20s in Ulsan early on the 6th and ordered swift measures. He also expressed concern for the safety of citizens reporting damage caused by the typhoon.
In response to the unprecedented typhoon Hinnamnor moving northward, President Yoon stayed at the Yongsan Presidential Office from the 5th to the 6th to receive situation reports. Following Hinnamnor's path, he communicated with the governors of Jeju, Gyeongnam, the mayors of Busan and Ulsan, and the governor of Jeonnam from the previous day to receive updates on preparedness.
According to a key official from the Presidential Office, President Yoon was informed of the disappearance of a man in his 20s near Namcheon Bridge in Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, early in the morning, and expressed concern for the safety of citizens submitting videos and other reports. The official interpreted this as a "determination not to miss any situation." On that day, despite media reports that the response was stronger than during the recent heavy rains in the metropolitan area, President Yoon explained, "Last month's heavy rains were truly unpredictable," adding, "This time, since it is an unprecedented typhoon with known power, if we prepare well in advance, damage can be reduced."
In fact, President Yoon moved several times between his office and the crisis management center last night to receive damage reports and issue additional instructions. Just after 7 a.m. that morning, he convened a meeting and urged, "Since the high tide coincides with rising sea levels, there is concern about river flooding and other damage, so please remain vigilant and pay close attention."
He also made a surprise visit to the press room. After the meeting, he visited the press room on the first floor of the government building and said, "After reviewing today's situation, I think the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and I should visit the sites where the damage is severe." He continued, "The typhoon's center is currently heading toward Ulleungdo and Dokdo, but we cannot let our guard down regarding accident management and safety measures," adding, "We must maintain real-time communication with local government officials, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Fire Agency."
The Presidential Office decided to maintain some 24-hour emergency duty as a proactive measure that day as well. They plan to share the situation with related ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Meteorological Administration, as well as local governments, and provide necessary support. A key official from the Presidential Office said, "The president's determination to stay up all night and lead the situation has been conveyed to all aides," adding, "However, as the supreme commander, it should not be surprising that the president stays up all night during such emergencies."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
