▲ Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee speaks during a defense data and artificial intelligence committee meeting at the defense ministry compound, in this March 6, 2026, file photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense ministry-disaster response

Vice defense chief calls for military readiness against summer disasters

SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- The vice defense chief on Monday called on the military to preemptively beef up its readiness posture against potential disasters during the summer, the defense ministry said.

Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee made the call at a meeting with military officials designed to discuss the military's response to heat waves and downpours in the summer, according to ministry.

The meeting was held to ensure service members' safety during their disaster relief operations, in particular, when heavy rains are expected.

"(Natural) disasters also pose a grave threat to national security. When disasters are imminent or occur, it is important for the military to respond excessively rather than insufficiently," Lee said.

Following the meeting, the ministry launched a constant readiness posture to better respond to potential disasters and decided to closely coordinate with relevant ministries to ensure the safety of the public and service members.

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