PM calls for overhaul of disaster management system

(ATTN: UPDATES with gov't decision to offer monetary support to disaster-hit regions in last three paras)
SEOUL, July 29 (Yonhap) -- The nation should revise the current disaster response system to cope with unusual weather conditions, the prime minister said on Friday after deadly floods and landslides from torrential rains claimed many lives in the country's central region earlier this week.
Record-breaking rainfall has pounded Seoul and Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces since Wednesday, killing at least 59 people, flooding thousands of homes and triggering multiple landslides, according to the central disaster management headquarters.
"The government needs to overhaul its crisis management system to reflect future climate change as we have frequently experienced unusual weather conditions," Kim Hwang-sik said during a government policy coordination meeting.
"A fundamental reconsideration of the current guidelines for facilities vulnerable to disasters is necessary," he stressed.
He also called for nationwide efforts to quickly recover from floods while instructing related government offices to establish measures as early as possible to support flood victims and restore electricity and water services to flooded areas.
Also on Friday, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security said the government will provide special subsidies totaling 3 billion won (US$2.85 million) to the regions hit by the downpours.
"We decided to provide the special grants as local administrations that were affected are expected to experience financial difficulties in doing emergency recovery operations," a ministry official said.
The money will be sent as soon as the ongoing survey of flood damage is over, the official added.