Asked in Detail About the Causes of Damage in Sancheong-eup
"Nothing Should Be Lacking in Support and Recovery... All Efforts Must Be Mobilized for Residents' Return"
President Lee Also Mentions Special Disaster and Safety Management Grant Support
President Lee Jaemyung visited Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province on the 21st, an area severely affected by heavy rainfall, and announced that he would designate it as a special disaster zone as quickly as possible.
On the afternoon of the same day, at the Sancheong Integrated Support Center for Heavy Rain Damage, President Lee responded to Sancheong County Governor Lee Seunghwa's request, who said, "It is urgent to declare this a special disaster zone as soon as possible." Spokesperson Kang Yujeong explained in a briefing, "President Lee visited Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province to comfort the affected residents and encourage prompt recovery efforts," adding, "He also urged that every effort be made to search for the missing, for the sake of families anxiously waiting for their safe return."
While receiving a report on the damage, President Lee inquired about the reasons why the damage was concentrated in Sancheong-eup. He also checked whether this accident could have been anticipated and prevented in advance. President Lee asked, "Was there any damage last year as well?" and "How many years has it been since a large-scale fatal accident like this occurred?" In response, Deputy Governor Jeong Youngcheol of Sancheong County replied, "There has not been much recent damage from landslides. There have been almost no landslides causing fatalities on this scale."
Additionally, President Lee checked on the status of rescue operations for those buried by the landslide. He emphasized, "Rescue must come first, followed by emergency restoration, and third, support for restoring residents' livelihoods." Spokesperson Kang stated, "President Lee expressed deep condolences for the tragic loss of life caused by this heavy rainfall and instructed the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence," adding, "He expressed great sorrow over livestock sheds, restaurants, and bus passenger shelters being buried by earth and debris, and comforted the residents while urging swift recovery efforts."
Meanwhile, Spokesperson Kang said, "President Lee instructed Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong to mobilize all available resources and administrative capacity, including budget support, to provide prompt assistance to affected residents. He also checked the preparations for declaring a special disaster zone and mentioned support through the special disaster and safety management grant." Minister Yoon, 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 it a special disaster zone by tomorrow."
According to Spokesperson Kang, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to announce the payment of special disaster and safety management grants for Gwangju City, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang Provinces, in accordance with President Lee's instructions.
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