Tongyeong: President Lee Jae Myung has designated the whole southeastern city of Tongyeong as a special disaster zone eligible for government support after torrential rains battered the region, a presidential spokesperson said Friday. The move comes as part of the government's efforts to address the severe impact of the recent weather events on the region.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government plans to step up recovery efforts following extreme torrential rains hitting the city and adjacent regions. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung detailed in a written briefing that the designation aims to expedite the recovery process and provide immediate relief to affected residents.

Late last month, President Lee had already designated parts of the city and the neighboring Geoje city as special disaster zones. This earlier designation allowed those areas to receive state funding for reconstruction efforts, as well as offered some tax cuts and discounts on utility fees to residents. The recent announcement expands these benefits to the entirety of Tongyeong, reflecting the widespread damage caused by the heavy rainfall.

More than 800 millimeters of rain pounded South Gyeongsang Province, including Tongyeong and Geoje, late last month, leading to significant disruptions and necessitating urgent government intervention. The declaration of Tongyeong as a special disaster zone underscores the severity of the situation and the need for comprehensive government assistance in recovery and rebuilding efforts.