Prime Minister Han Visits Flood-Damaged Site in North Chungcheong Province, Calls for Tailored Countermeasures

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook visited Mochung-dong in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, today to inspect recovery efforts and drainage facilities following damage caused by heavy rainfall.

At the site, the Prime Minister received a briefing from the Cheongju city government on how dozens of households were flooded during the heavy rains from July 8 to 9, and inspected the actual flooded areas.

After hearing an explanation regarding maintenance efforts to prevent flood damage, Prime Minister Han ordered more thorough preparations, stating, "We may face extreme weather conditions that exceed previous levels."

She further instructed, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment should collaborate to prepare region-specific countermeasures through comprehensive surveys and data analysis of frequently flooded areas," adding, "Identify frequently flooded areas nationwide and prioritize inspections for those most affected."

In addition, she ordered the strengthening of inspections and management of drainage facilities, as well as the seamless implementation of disaster prevention projects by relevant agencies.

While touring the site, Prime Minister Han met with residents to hear about the damage and offered words of comfort, saying, "I know how upsetting this must be, and we will do our best."

In response to residents' complaints that dredging nearby streams is necessary to reduce damage but that the permitting process with environmental authorities is complex, she replied, "It seems necessary for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Climate, and local governments to review the matter together."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.