Gov't runs emergency system to recover from typhoon damage

Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik instructed officials Wednesday to set up a government-wide emergency system to oversee post-typhoon restoration works, as the country is struggling to overcome the aftermath of the unusually powerful Typhoon Bolaven.

Packing gale and downpours, Typhoon Bolaven pounded the country from late Monday, killing at least 10 South Koreans and wounding two. It also caused enormous property damage to farmers and fishermen, temporarily cut power to nearly 1.92 million households nationwide and created transportation chaos, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

While presiding over a meeting to discuss countermeasures with ministers concerned, Prime Minister Kim called on government agencies and the military "to promptly support manpower, equipment and budgets needed for restoration works."

"The priority should be on restoring national infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunications and transportation, as well as residential areas to ensure public safety and convenience," Kim stressed.

To help farmers and fishermen, the government will offer emergency aid to them and implement measures to prevent possible blight damage following the flooding, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

In the run-up to Chuseok, one of the nation's biggest traditional holidays, the government has decided to provide enough supply to the market to maintain food prices.

Along with restoration efforts, the government decided to devise measures to prevent damage from natural disasters in the first place, by pushing for projects to control water and to improve infrastructure.

"As another typhoon is approaching, more rain is expected until Friday. The government should be on alert to prevent further damage," Kim said.

According to weather forecasters, the country is expected to come under the influence of Typhoon Tembin, which will bring strong winds and more than 30 millimeters of rain per hour nationwide from Thursday. (Yonhap)