Kim Taeheum: "Unprecedented Chungnam Flood Damage, Full Responsibility for Recovery Until the End"

Total Damage Reaches 243 Billion Won
Special Disaster Zone Requested,
Province to Provide 16.8 Billion Won in Emergency Aid

Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum held a press conference on the 22nd and said, "We will investigate the damage caused by the extreme heavy rain to ensure that not a single victim is overlooked and focus administrative efforts on recovery." / Asia Economy 2025.07.22 / Photo by Lee Byungryul

The Chungnam provincial government announced that it will thoroughly investigate the damage caused by the extreme heavy rain to ensure that not a single victim is overlooked, and will mobilize all available provincial resources for recovery efforts.

Governor Kim Taeheum held a press conference in the provincial government briefing room on the 22nd, stating, "Unprecedented extreme heavy rain has continued across the province, with 571mm in Suseokgye, Seosan, 547mm in Dangjin, 523mm in Yesan, 508mm in Asan, and 499mm in Buyeo, among other locations. This disaster is a serious event that threatens the daily lives and livelihoods of our residents."

The provisional damage estimate for Chungnam due to this torrential rain amounts to a total of 243 billion won, including 179.6 billion won in public facilities and 63.4 billion won in private facilities.

There were also casualties: three people died, two were injured, and one person remains missing.

Governor Kim emphasized, "On the 20th, I requested the designation of a special disaster zone from Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Hojoong, and having received a positive response, I expect the designation to be made soon. We will conduct a thorough survey to ensure that no resident's damage is overlooked."

In addition to government support, the province will also pursue a special provincial support fund of 16.8 billion won.

Governor Kim stated, "For private facilities such as houses, agricultural facilities, and crops, there are many areas not covered by support under current laws and regulations. We will use provincial funds to provide practical recovery assistance that residents can truly feel."

Damage to housing was reported in 950 cases (7 semi-demolished, 943 flooded). Support will be provided up to 60 million won for semi-demolished houses and up to 6 million won for flooded houses.

In the agricultural sector, damage was reported across 13 cities and counties on 16,772 hectares, with crop damage amounting to 23.7 billion won and facility damage amounting to 7.7 billion won, for a total of 31.4 billion won.

Since farms without insurance and those cultivating crops not covered by insurance may fall through the cracks, the province plans to provide differential support of up to 100% of the damage amount.

In the livestock sector, 175 farms suffered 5.1 billion won in damages. The province will urgently inject 440 million won for disposal of dead livestock and implement unsecured special guarantees of up to 200 million won per farm.

Small business owners suffered 4.7 billion won in damages across 326 establishments. In addition to the 3 million won in government support, an extra 9 million won per business will be provided. Based on additional investigation of damaged goods, the province will also offer disaster relief funds, donations, and low-interest loans (1.5%) of up to 300 million won.

For emergency restoration, more than 13,000 personnel and over 4,000 pieces of equipment have been deployed, completing 1,546 out of a total of 2,408 cases (62.2%). The province plans to complete restoration within this week.

Governor Kim stated, "Although the province has supplemented insufficient government support for recurring flood damage every year, a fundamental change is needed in the face of extreme climate. We will raise the design standards for drainage facilities and rivers to a 200-year frequency and shift our response system to focus on permanent restoration."

He particularly pointed out that locations such as the Dangjin Fish Market, which has been flooded for two consecutive years, were built to a 50-year frequency design standard, and that many infrastructure facilities such as drainage pump stations were designed to 20-30 year standards, making them unable to withstand extreme climate events. He emphasized that the province will also push for improvements to related laws and systems.

Governor Kim stressed, "This recovery must be carried out with speed, effectiveness, and fairness. I will take full responsibility to ensure that all residents can return to their daily lives as soon as possible."