President Lee Visits Sancheong, South Gyeongsang: "Will Designate Special Disaster Zone as Quickly as Possible"

Asked in Detail About Causes of Damage in Sancheong-eup
"Nothing Should Be Lacking in Recovery Support... All Resources Must Be Mobilized for Displaced Residents' Return"

President Lee Jaemyung visited Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, on July 21, which was severely affected by heavy rainfall, and announced that the area would be designated as a special disaster zone as quickly as possible.

Yonhap News Agency

At the integrated support headquarters for flood damage in Sancheong that afternoon, President Lee responded to Sancheong County Governor Lee Seunghwa's request, "It is urgent to declare a special disaster zone quickly," by assuring him of swift action.

While receiving a report on the damage, President Lee inquired about the reasons why the damage was concentrated in Sancheong-eup. He also examined whether this disaster could have been anticipated and prevented in advance. President Lee asked, "Was there any damage last year?" and "How many years has it been since a large-scale fatal accident occurred?" In response, Deputy County Governor Jung Youngcheol said, "There have not been many landslide damages recently. There has rarely been a landslide resulting in fatalities of this magnitude."

Additionally, President Lee checked on the status of rescue operations for those buried by landslides. He emphasized, "Rescue must come first, followed by emergency restoration, and third, support for restoring people's livelihoods."

Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojung, who accompanied the inspection of the affected area, stated regarding the declaration of a special disaster zone, "We will complete all investigations by this evening and prepare to declare the area a special disaster zone by tomorrow."

In response, President Lee said, "Fortunately, it appears there is nothing in particular lacking for recovery support, but please make sure to check thoroughly." He added, "While the fatalities and missing persons are a serious concern, it is also important for the displaced residents to return home, so please mobilize all available resources."