Request for Additional Declaration of Special Disaster Zones in Eight Cities and Counties Affected by July Rainfall
Proposals for Support in Public Institution Relocation and Administrative Integration
Kim Tae-heum, Governor of South Chungcheong Province, requested President Lee Jaemyung to swiftly expand the designation of special disaster zones to eight cities and counties in South Chungcheong that suffered damage from the heavy rainfall in July.
He also proposed raising the design standards for drainage facilities, providing more realistic support for disaster recovery, expediting the second phase relocation of public institutions, and supporting the Special Act on Administrative Integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong.
On August 1, during the first meeting of provincial governors held at the Presidential Office, Governor Kim stated, "The damage in eight cities and counties, including Dangjin and Asan, has exceeded the threshold for declaring special disaster zones," and emphasized, "It is absolutely necessary to promptly make additional declarations."
He further pointed out, "Extreme rainfall is recurring due to climate change," and called for the design standards for infrastructure such as drainage facilities to be raised to a 200-year frequency. He also urged for the support criteria for disaster victims to be made more realistic.
Regarding agricultural damage, he said, "We are providing additional support using provincial funds, but due to the financial limitations of local governments, it is difficult to achieve substantial recovery." He stressed the need for the government to raise its support standards in a realistic manner.
Concerning the second phase relocation of public institutions, he said, "Residents of South Chungcheong have high expectations following the President's promise for swift action," and requested government support for the smooth progress of the project.
On the Special Act on Administrative Integration of Daejeon and South Chungcheong, he said, "The bill is about to be proposed after passing the resolutions of both city and provincial councils," and requested support from both the government and the ruling party.
The meeting was attended by President Lee Jaemyung, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojung, other key government officials, and the governors of 17 provinces and cities.
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