South Korean Flood Kills More than Dozens, Insurers to Provide Temporary Housing, Relief for Flood Victims
Seoul – In response to the devastating floods caused by five days of relentless rainfall across South Korea, the Non-life Insurance Social Contribution Council has announced a major relief initiative, including the construction of temporary housing and financial donations.
The council, comprising the General Insurance Association of Korea and 19 non-life insurance companies, will provide temporary housing facilities worth 1 billion won ($ 720.000) under the project named “Hope House.” Up to 15 buildings will be constructed in collaboration with the National Disaster Relief Association and local governments. These units aim to provide shelter for those who have lost their homes in the disaster.
In addition to the housing support, the council has pledged 50 million won in emergency relief funds to help flood victims in the worst-affected regions, including Sancheong (Gyeongsangnam-do), Seosan and Dangjin, and Gapyeong and Osan (Gyeonggi-do). The funds will be used to procure essential daily necessities for displaced families.
Lee Byung-rae, Chairman of the Non-life Insurance Social Contribution Council, expressed sympathy for the victims, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to all who have suffered sudden loss due to the heavy rains. We hope this support will help them return to safe, stable lives as quickly as possible.”
The floods, among the worst in recent years, have left at least 17 people dead and 11 missing, with regions such as Gapyeong, a popular resort town northeast of Seoul, particularly hard hit. Landslides and flash floods have destroyed homes and swept away vehicles, while dozens remain stranded or unaccounted for. – News Agency