Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Emphasized the protection of people’s lives and property and a preemptive response

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup is chairing an emergency meeting on nationwide heavy rainfall in the battle control room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on July 16. Minister Lee stressed the importance of a preemptive response to protect people’s safety and property in the meeting, attended by key commanders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and military branches.

In an emergency meeting related to nationwide heavy rain on July 16, Defense Minister Lee underscored the basic mission of the military to protect people's lives and property and a preemptive response.

Minister Lee examined the weather situation and prospects and responses of military branches, and gave the Defense Ministry’s response guidelines on heavy rain and urged commanders at various levels to be dedicated to their duties.

Minister Lee told commanders to make the utmost efforts to defend the safety and lives of people and soldiers as a torrential downpour of at least 300 mm of rain was expected in the Chungcheong, Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces for a few days. He also asked them to call or visit local governments to identify and take preemptive measures since support for cleanup will begin after the rain ends.

Minister Lee said he appreciated all the soldiers who were dedicated to search and rescue activities and restoration work such as the removal of earth and fallen trees, and urged them to make their best efforts until search and rescue operations for missing people and recovery are completed.

Recognizing the gravity of the heavy rain situation, the meeting was the fourth one hosted by Minister Lee with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, chiefs of staff of military branches, Second Operations Commander, Marine Corps Commander, and Army Special Warfare Commander in attendance. The meeting was held in the battle control room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff through video conferencing.

The Defense Ministry activated a Level 1 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on July 11. On July 13, Minister Lee visited the battle control room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He inspected measures taken by the Defense Ministry and military branches, and requested the establishment of an emergency support system. This system aims to quickly respond to disasters, placing top priority on the safety of people and soldiers.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

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