Minister Lee Hojung Visits Summer Disaster Sites
Offers Condolences to Gapyeong Flood Victims' Families
Inspects Cooling Shelters and Riverside Safety in Daeseong-ri
As a result of the intense heat this summer, followed by heavy rainfall and frequent water-related accidents, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Hojung personally visited the scene to inspect the situation.
On August 1, Minister Lee visited Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province to review the status of recovery efforts from heavy rain damage and to inspect summer safety management. In Gapyeong, a record-breaking downpour of up to 76mm per hour occurred between July 16 and July 20, resulting in five deaths and property damage.
Minister Lee first visited the site of the search for those missing due to the heavy rain, offered condolences to the bereaved families, and encouraged rescue workers who were searching in the extreme heat. He urged, "Please do your utmost in the search for the missing so that those whose fates are still unknown can return to their families as soon as possible."
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has already provided 12.5 billion won in special disaster relief funds to support the rapid recovery of areas affected by heavy rain, including Gapyeong. Efforts are also underway to establish recovery plans through joint central government damage assessments, including emergency relief for disaster victims and housing support.
In addition, with heatwave advisories being issued nationwide and the heat expected to continue, Minister Lee inspected summer safety management as well. He visited the Jojong-myeon Senior Citizens' Association branch to check on the operation of cooling shelters and listened to concerns to ensure there were no inconveniences for those using the shelters.
He also visited Hwangsaebawi in Daeseong-ri, a popular spot for tourists during the vacation season. Minister Lee walked along the riverside himself to inspect the condition of safety facilities such as life-saving equipment and buoys, and to check the deployment of safety personnel and the overall status of water safety management.
Minister Lee stated, "We will focus all administrative resources on swift recovery so that residents affected by the heavy rain can return to their normal lives as soon as possible," and added, "Since there is a high possibility that this summer's heatwave will be prolonged, we will do our best, together with relevant agencies, to ensure tailored safety management for vulnerable groups, including water safety management at swimming areas and the operation of cooling shelters."
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