President Lee to Osan Mayor on 'Retaining Wall Collapse': "Why Was the Road Not Closed Despite Report?" (Comprehensive)

Meeting Held at Disaster and Safety Situation Room to Review Response to Heavy Rainfall
"Mobilize All Resources and Administrative Capabilities... Prevent Damage Even If It Seems Excessive"

On July 18, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "All ministries and agencies must mobilize every available resource and administrative capability, with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety at the center."

Yonhap News

That morning, at the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room in the Seoul Government Complex, President Lee held a meeting to review the response to the heavy rainfall. Regarding the damage caused by the rain, he said, "Human and material losses are occurring in various places," and emphasized, "The number one duty of the state is to protect the lives and safety of its people."

President Lee added, "We will deploy all necessary measures for damage and accident prevention, even if it seems excessive." He continued, "The Korea Meteorological Administration appears to be doing its best, but I ask that, even if it is difficult, you proactively and rapidly disseminate weather information by region so that local governments and national agencies can respond in advance as much as possible."

President Lee also said, "Local governments inevitably play a very important role. I ask that they thoroughly maintain emergency work systems, conduct preemptive inspections, and faithfully implement post-disaster recovery and support measures." He further requested, "While we must minimize damage, please devise comprehensive protection and recovery support measures so that those affected can quickly return to their daily lives."

On this day, President Lee received reports on the response status from the Korea Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and local governments. Spokesperson Kang Yoojeong reported that President Lee referred to the collapse of a viaduct retaining wall in Osan and asked Osan Mayor Lee Gwonjae, "Why was the road not completely closed despite a resident's report?" seeking clarification on the situation.

President Lee also reviewed the status of road closures. He asked Yoo Jaeseong, the acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, about how the roads were controlled. President Lee urged, "Until the rain stops, each local government must do its utmost to prevent accidents," and emphasized, "Please be especially vigilant in areas where casualties are expected." In response, local government heads pointed out that there are limits to disaster preparedness at the local level due to climate change, and requested financial support from the central government.