The leader of the ruling Saenuri Party recently visited the island to inspect the damage here in the wake of Typhoon Chaba. (이정현) Lee Jung-hyun emphasized the need for fundamental measures, rather than short-term fixes, to prevent a repeat of this type of damage.

Joseph Kim reports.



Report

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Saenuri Party chief visits typhoon-damaged areas in Jeju

The (새누리) Saenuri Party chief, (이정현) Lee Jung-hyun, visited (용담동) Yongdam-dong, Jeju City where tropical storm Chaba had hit. Powerful winds and torrential rain flooded areas near the (한천교) Hancheongyo Bridge.

In 2007, the area was hit hard by typhoon Nari and experienced significant damage.

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Lee asks for‘fundamental counter-storm measures’

Lee inspected damaged areas, and asked Jeju City to cooperate with the Ministry of Public Safety and Security to come up with fundamental counter-storm measures.

He promised party support for measures proposed by Jeju City.

Recording
Lee Jung-hyun / Saenuri Party chief
We need fundamental measures to prevent storm damage. Jeju City needs to consult with the safety ministry and come up with proposals.
<녹취:이정현 새누리당 대표>
"무조건 항구 대책을 세워야지 일시적으로 위기 넘기기 위해 순간적으로 하면 안되니까 안전처와 상의를 해서 안을 올려보세요. 같이 논의를..."

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Lee inspects Sanjicheon River

He also checked the situation at the area downstream of (산지천) Sanjicheon River.

Those living near the river were ordered to evacuate the area due to danger of flooding.

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‘Disaster prevention is top priority’

He pointed out that the island's soft points were exposed by storms and its existing counter-storm measures were not effective.

He added that natural disaster events are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global climate change and once again stressed that devising countermeasures is the island's top priority.

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‘Saenuri Party will seek disaster zone designation ASAP’

He noted that his party would make efforts to designate Jeju as a special disaster zone as soon as possible.

He urged Seoul to promptly launch site inspections for the damaged zones, the first step in the designation process.

Recording
Lee Jung-hyun / Saenuri Party chief
I have urged the national government to designate the island a disaster zone and launch on-site inspections as soon as possible.
<녹취:이정현 새누리당 대표>
"특별재난지역에 대해 적극적으로 건의를 드렸고, 시.도와 같이 협의를 해서 조사가 빨리 진행되도록 먼저 촉구를 하도록 하겠습니다."

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Cemera] Moon Ho-seong

Lee wrapped up his trip after visiting (동문) Dongmun Traditional Market to encourage the merchants.

Joseph Kim, KCTV