Typhoon-Hit Jeju to Be Disaster Area
By Yoon Won-sup
Staff Reporter
The government said on Wednesday that it will soon declare Jeju Island, which was hit by Typhoon Nari, a national disaster area. The area, when designated, will be entitled to government subsidies, tax benefits and other assistance for rehabilitation projects.
The government said that the designation would be made to help recovery work in the island province where 12 people were killed and one is reported missing, with over 28 billion won worth of damage caused by the typhoon.
``The designation will be made once President Roh Moo-hyun approves it,'' Cheon Ho-seon, presidential spokesman said.
Residents on Jeju Island and public facilities will receive special aid packages from the government.
Tax deadlines will be extended for nine months and taxes imposed by local governments will be exempted for those who lost more than 30 percent of their property. The government will pledge up to 90 percent for recovery expenses of public facilities.
In addition, Jeju citizens will be entitled to pay less for health care and pension premiums, according to damage sustained.
However, the government didn't designate Gohung, South Jeolla Province, as disaster area because it considered the damage there not as serious compared with Jeju.
Typhoon Nari smashed Jeju and southwestern parts of the nation Sunday before continuing off the East Sea Monday morning. About 940 people were evacuated to shelters nationwide.
The National Emergency Management Agency said it will provide special aid money to Jeju citizens for housing recovery and cleanup works.
Financial compensation will be also provided to families of those killed or injured by the typhoon once identification is confirmed, according to the agency.