President Yoon Suk Yeol instructed the government Friday to look into designating areas hit hard by recent deadly downpours as special disaster zones, his office said. Yoon gave the instruction while flying home from Washington, where he attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit this week, saying the government should review "active support measures" for the rain-damaged areas. Record downpours drenched the country this week, leaving at least five people dead and forcing thousands to evacuate, especially in the southern regions. "As additional torrential downpours are forecast for next week and beyond, please make all-out efforts to also be ready in advance," he was quoted as saying. The designation of a special disaster zone makes the area eligible for the government's financial support for recovery work, relief funds for victims and other benefits. Source: Yonhap News Agency