Gwangju City Council Urges Declaration of Gwangju as Special Disaster Zone

Gwangju City Council building.

On July 20, the Gwangju City Council strongly urged the government to declare Gwangju a special disaster zone.

In a statement issued in the name of all Gwangju City Council members that day, the council said, "On July 17, Gwangju experienced a record-breaking rainfall of 426mm in a single day, and three consecutive days of heavy rain have resulted in two people missing, along with widespread human and material damage." The council added, "Even now, damage continues to occur on the ground, and there are growing concerns about even greater secondary damage."

The council continued, "The torrential rain, which set the highest daily precipitation record since weather observations began in 1939, engulfed the city center and turned the lives of citizens into ruins. More than ever, urgent help and support are needed for those whose livelihoods have been completely destroyed."

The council also stated, "This heavy rainfall is not just a problem for Gwangju. In this era of climate crisis, any city can collapse without warning at any time. In such moments, the government's response is extremely important. Right now, swift and resolute action from the government is desperately needed," once again calling for the area to be declared a disaster zone.

The council strongly urged the government to declare the entire Gwangju area a special disaster zone, adding, "We will stand with our citizens in their pain and remain committed to recovery and restoration until the very end."