Lee Jae Myung declares parts of two South Korean cities special disaster zones

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has designated parts of the cities of Geoje and Tongyeong as special disaster zones following torrential rains that hit the region.

According to Report, citing Yonhap, presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said the government will consider granting the same status to other affected areas after conducting a detailed assessment of the damage. She noted that large-scale recovery efforts are already underway in the region, with all available resources being mobilized.

Areas designated as special disaster zones are eligible for government funding for recovery efforts. Residents are also entitled to tax benefits and discounts on utility bills.

More than 800 mm of rain fell in South Gyeongsang Province, including Geoje, over the past weekend. One person was killed in a landslide in the city.