Baeksu-eup declared special disaster zone after heavy rainfall

The South Korean government has declared Baeksu-eup in Yeonggwang County a special disaster zone following devastating heavy rainfall at the end of last month. Between August 28 and September 1, the region experienced extreme precipitation, with hourly rainfall reaching up to 107.5 mm and cumulative totals hitting 579.5 mm. The storms caused significant damage to residential homes, farmland, roads, and public infrastructure.

A joint central investigation conducted by relevant agencies confirmed that the damage in Baeksu-eup exceeded the threshold for special disaster designation. This status allows for additional national government funding to assist with local recovery costs, reducing the financial burden on the local government.

In addition to standard disaster relief funds, residents in the special disaster zone will receive various indirect supports. These include deferrals on national and local taxes, and reductions in utility fees such as electricity, city gas, heating, and telecommunications. Furthermore, health insurance premiums may be reduced by 30% to 50% for certain recipients, and residents may be exempt from remaining military and reserve force training for the year.