Minister Sang-min Lee of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Urgently Inspects Stockpile Status of Disaster Relief Supplies... Preparing for Various Types of Disasters

Emphasis on Improving Quantity and Quality of Relief Supplies and Customized Support for Diversified Disasters

Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min is delivering a joint public address on the 8th nationwide local elections at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 17th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety conducted an emergency inspection on the 8th of disaster relief supplies provided to temporary evacuees and disaster victims to prepare for various types of disasters such as the recent wildfire in Miryang, Gyeongnam, and anticipated summer natural disasters like heavy rain and typhoons.

The inspection targets include disaster relief supplies provided by the government (emergency and cooking relief sets) and relief items provided by private organizations (Disaster Relief Association, Korean Red Cross) such as emergency relief sets and tents.

Minister Lee Sang-min emphasized the need to improve both the quantity and quality of relief supplies, considering that disaster victims often evacuate without even minimal belongings. He suggested expanding the quantity and improving the quality of toilet paper, increasing the basic provision quantity (2 pieces) of underwear and socks, and stressed the necessity to develop relief supplies that can respond to diversified disaster types such as COVID-19 (infectious diseases) beyond natural disasters. He also urged staff participating on-site to devise improvement plans to identify any additional necessary items assuming emergency evacuation and lodging during disaster situations.

Furthermore, starting this year, the government is expanding the demand targets for relief supplies for vulnerable disabled persons by producing emergency relief sets for the visually impaired that include Braille labeling, voice guidance, and guide canes. In addition, to alleviate anxiety among disaster victims who suffer psychological depression from disaster experiences, the government is promoting the development of mental relief kits, strengthening psychological recovery support beyond material relief.

Minister Lee Sang-min stated, “This inspection of disaster relief supplies served as an opportunity to review the relief situation during the recent wildfire and to check for any improvements needed in relief supplies in preparation for upcoming summer natural disasters,” and added, “We will do our utmost to ensure that no negligence occurs in relief efforts when disasters happen.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.