Lee designates flood-hit Geoje, Tongyeong as special disaster zones

President Lee Jae Myung convened his first meeting as head of government to address corruption issues, including cases involving government dealings and former officials.

Torrential rains recently hit the southeastern cities of Geoje and Tongyeong, causing significant damage. The presidential spokesperson confirmed that these areas have been designated as special disaster zones, making them eligible for government assistance in their recovery efforts.

The government is considering extending this designation to other areas affected by the heavy rains, as part of a comprehensive review of the damage. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced that all available resources are being mobilized for full-scale restoration work in the impacted regions.

Residents living in these designated zones can benefit from state-funded reconstruction projects, as well as tax reductions and lower utility fees. The recent downpour, which brought over 800 millimeters of rain to South Gyeongsang Province, triggered a landslide in Geoje that resulted in the tragic loss of a resident's life.