Geoje and Tongyeong launch massive flood recovery efforts

Massive recovery efforts are underway in Geoje and Tongyeong, South Korea, following extreme rainfall that caused significant damage. Emergency recovery rates have reached approximately 74.8%, with over 18,000 personnel—including military, police, firefighters, and volunteers—deployed to the affected areas.

In Geoje, the preliminary damage is estimated at approximately 27 billion won, affecting over 1,000 locations including homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Mayor Byun Kwang-yong has issued an appeal to citizens for additional help, noting that administrative and volunteer resources alone are insufficient to manage the scale of the destruction. The city has also requested further government support to address gaps in aid for small business owners.

Nationwide support is mobilizing, with the National Fire Agency deploying 1,948 volunteer firefighters from 10 provinces to assist with cleaning debris and restoring flooded homes, prioritizing vulnerable populations. Political parties from across the country have also joined the efforts to clear mud and debris from residential and commercial areas.