Special Disaster Zone

[Anchor Lead]

The government has designated the city of Pohang as a special disaster zone. President Moon Jae-in has vowed to use all possible means to help the city cope with the aftermath of the earthquake and hold this year's college scholastic ability test without any issues.

[Pkg]

The government has promptly designated the city of Pohang as a special disaster zone. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon convened a meeting with the chiefs of relevant ministries and the Central Safety Management Committee at 9 a.m. Monday to designate the special disaster zone, and at 10:30 a.m. requested the president's approval. President Moon Jae-in immediately granted his approval saying that restoring the damaged city and holding the college scholastic ability test were the top priorities.

[Soundbite] Pres. Moon Jae-in : "The government will deploy all means to restore the damaged city promptly and hold the CSAT without any mishaps."

Following the designation, Pohang will be able to receive administrative, financial and medical support to help the victims of the earthquakes and restore damaged facilities. About 64 percent of funds needed for restoration efforts will be provided by the central government. Residents in the affected areas will be exempted from electricity, telecommunication, city gas and local heating fees as well as health insurance premiums. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety immediately provided one billion won in disaster management funds to help with the restoration of the city. President Moon has also promised to prepare guidelines on what to do in case of an earthquake during the CSAT, which is slated for this Thursday, and urged students and parents to cooperate with exam supervisors.