President Lee Jae-myung delivers a commemorative address at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Aug. 15. Reporter Kwon Wook
A road in Okpo-dong, Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, is flooded on the afternoon of Aug. 17. Yonhap News
President Lee Jae-myung on the 17th called on government agencies to focus all their capabilities on minimizing damage from torrential rain that hit the southern coast, including Geoje and Tongyeong.
“Relevant ministries and local governments should swiftly carry out necessary measures in the field and concentrate all their capabilities on minimizing the damage,” Lee said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“I pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the sudden downpour and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” Lee said. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery, stressing that “what matters most is ensuring that no further damage occurs.”
Lee urged officials to respond preemptively to risk factors while closely monitoring weather and on-site conditions. “Even after this rainfall stops, there is a possibility of follow-up damage as the ground weakens and river levels rise,” he said.
The president also pointed to the changing nature of disasters. “The scope and patterns of disasters are changing dramatically from the past due to climate change,” he said, adding that the government would comprehensively analyze new disaster risks and fundamentally reexamine the existing response system to devise ways to protect citizens’ lives and safety.
Lee also addressed firefighters, police and rescue personnel working on recovery efforts. “Please hold on just a little longer. Above all, be sure to look after your own safety as well,” he said.
“The government is also closely monitoring the rain situation through the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters,” Lee said. “We will pay attention to even the smallest warning signs and will not let down our guard until the very end.”