Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has designated the southeastern city of Andong and four nearby towns as special disaster zones eligible for government support after heavy rains hit the region last month, a presidential spokesperson said Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the designation of Andong and the four towns in nearby Uiseong County came after the area was battered by heavy rains from early to late July, suffering significant damage.

Areas that receive the special disaster zone status are eligible for state funding aimed at reconstruction efforts. Additionally, affected residents can benefit from tax cuts and discounts on utility fees, as explained by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

The government is prioritizing the finalization of reconstruction plans for the region, with the aim of helping affected residents return to normalcy as swiftly as possible, Kang added.