The governor of Yeonggwang County visited the site of the house fire damage. On the 30th, County Governor Jang Se-il visited the site of a recent house fire in Jisan-ri, Baeksu-eup, inspected the site, comforted the affected residents, and ordered measures to be taken to quickly recover the damage.
The cause of the fire is believed to be an electrical short circuit, and no casualties occurred. The military set up a village hall as a temporary shelter and provided emergency support with temporary food, relief supplies, waste disposal containers, and volunteers.
Mr. Seo, who was devastated by the sudden damage, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am going through a difficult time due to the fire damage, but Yeonggwang-gun’s warm interest, support, and comforting hand were a great help.”
Meanwhile, Korea Rural Community Corporation Yeonggwang Branch Manager Jeong Gyeong-hoon and other employees visited the county office on the 31st and donated a total of 5 million won to express their warmth.
The Korea Rural Community Corporation was established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to increase agricultural productivity and contribute to the economic and social development of farming and fishing villages by carrying out environmentally friendly rural development projects and farmland banking projects, comprehensively managing agricultural infrastructure, and promoting farmers to optimize their farming scale. It is a quasi-governmental agency.
Branch Manager Jeong Gyeong-hoon joined the company in 1997, worked as the head of the future strategy department, and was inaugurated as the 15th Yeonggwang branch manager with the inaugural ceremony in 2024. He also promotes the ‘Save Water in My Hometown’ campaign to improve the convenience of farmers and residents and the local environment, thereby supporting the local community. We are striving to lead sustainable growth.
Branch Manager Jeong Kyeong-hoon said, “It is very meaningful to be able to participate in this hometown love donation, and I hope that the donations raised will be of some help in improving the lives of farmers and fishermen.”
In response, Yeonggwang-gun (Governor Jang Se-il) said, “We thank you for participating in this precious and warm donation for a better tomorrow for Yeonggwang-gun, and we promise that the donations raised will be used fairly and substantively. “We will continue to do our best for the development of Yeonggwang-gun,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Yeonggwang-gun
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Interview: Navigating Community Support After Disasters
Interviewer: Sarah Kim, Editor at Time.news
Expert: Dr. Min-Soo Park, Disaster Relief Specialist
Sarah Kim: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Park. The recent house fire in Yeonggwang County highlights the importance of quick community response during emergencies. What are your thoughts on how local authorities handled the situation?
Dr. Min-Soo Park: Thank you for having me, Sarah. The response from Yeonggwang County’s officials, especially County Governor Jang Se-il, was commendable. His swift visit to the site not only brought immediate comfort to the affected residents but also demonstrated effective leadership in chaotic situations. It’s crucial for local leaders to be present and visible in times of crisis.
Sarah Kim: Absolutely. It seems the community response wasn’t just limited to the government. We saw volunteers and organizations stepping in as well. How significant is this kind of communal support in recovery efforts?
Dr. Min-Soo Park: The involvement of volunteers and local organizations is a vital component of disaster recovery. For instance, the military setting up a temporary shelter and providing emergency supplies showcases a collaborative approach to supporting affected residents. When communities come together, it fosters resilience and helps victims feel less isolated in their struggles.
Sarah Kim: One of the victims, Mr. Seo, emphasized the importance of the community’s warmth and support during this difficult time. What psychological impact does this kind of support have on individuals recovering from disasters?
Dr. Min-Soo Park: Emotional support is just as essential as physical aid. When individuals see that their community cares, it can significantly alleviate feelings of despair. Mr. Seo’s gratitude reflects a critical aspect of recovery: the feeling of community support can foster hope and encourage people to rebuild their lives. Such gestures remind victims that they are not alone in their journey toward recovery.
Sarah Kim: You mentioned the role of donations, like the 5 million won given by the Korea Rural Community Corporation. Can you speak to how financial support impacts recovery efforts?
Dr. Min-Soo Park: Financial aid is crucial, especially when rebuilding infrastructure or securing necessities. Donations can provide immediate relief to the affected families and assist in alternative housing solutions. Moreover, this financial support can stimulate economic recovery in the broader community, emphasizing the importance of sustaining local businesses and services.
Sarah Kim: Looking ahead, what can communities do to better prepare for unforeseen disasters like this in the future?
Dr. Min-Soo Park: Preparation is key. Communities should invest in comprehensive disaster preparedness training and contingency plans. Regular drills, community workshops on emergency responses, and creating resource networks can empower residents and local organizations to act effectively when disasters strike. Moreover, fostering a culture of mutual support can make all the difference.
Sarah Kim: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Park. The collaborative efforts of local authorities, volunteers, and organizations truly exemplify the strength of community in overcoming adversity.
Dr. Min-Soo Park: Thank you, Sarah. It’s always a pleasure to discuss how we can strengthen our responses to such challenging situations.
End of Interview