Torrential Rains Leave 19 Dead: South Korea Declares Disaster Areas

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday designated six areas in the central and southern regions as special disaster zones following recent deadly downpours.

The six areas—Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province; Seosan and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province; Damyang in South Jeolla Province; and Sancheong and Hapcheon in South Gyeongsang Province—were designated at 6:44 p.m., according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

The designation as a special disaster zone makes these areas eligible for government financial support for recovery efforts, relief funds for victims, and other benefits.

President Lee emphasized that all available government resources must be mobilized to help residents in the affected areas return to their daily lives as quickly as possible, urging officials to expedite administrative processes to facilitate this effort.

Since last Wednesday, torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. The southern regions have suffered the most severe damage. (Yonhap)