South Korea Struggles with Aftermath of Torrential Rains

South Korea faces challenges after heavy rains caused destruction. President Lee Jae Myung urged officials to intensify efforts in recovering from damage and locating missing individuals. With 19 fatalities and 2,549 displaced, Lee plans to revamp disaster response strategies. His approval rating slightly declined amidst these events.

South Korea is grappling with the aftermath of severe torrential rains that have caused significant destruction across the nation. President Lee Jae Myung has urged public officials to intensify their search for missing people and expedite damage recovery efforts. While the heavy rains in South Korea have ceased, reports indicate that parts of North Korea are still experiencing significant rainfall.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the torrential rains have resulted in 19 deaths, with nine people still missing as of Tuesday morning. Furthermore, 2,549 individuals have been displaced, and extensive property damage has occurred, affecting 3,776 facilities, including homes, businesses, and factories.

President Lee has acknowledged the limitations of current disaster response methods and has directed the prime minister and relevant ministries to establish a comprehensive, region-specific system for responding to natural disasters. Additionally, he has warned against complacency among public officials, advocating for strict measures against those who neglect their duties during crises. Lee's commitment to enhancing public safety and preventing future disasters comes as his approval rating dropped to 62.2% from 64.6% following the rains.

(With inputs from agencies.)