Funds to go to flood-hit southern regions including Geoje and Tongyeong

Affiliates pitch in with relief supplies and communications support

SK Group's Seorin Building in Seoul. [SK Group]
SK Group's Seorin Building in Seoul. [SK Group]

SK Group said Friday it will donate funds to support residents in areas hard hit by recent heavy rains.

The conglomerate said it will contribute 2 billion won ($1.45 million) through the Community Chest of Korea. The funds will go toward recovery efforts and helping displaced residents in flood-stricken southern areas including Geoje and Tongyeong return to their daily lives.

SK Group affiliates have also joined the relief effort. SK hynix on Wednesday provided 630 volunteer kits to flood-affected areas including Geoje through its High Safety program, an annual initiative the company runs to support disaster victims.

SK Telecom has been supplying communications conveniences — including smartphone charging booths and portable battery packs — at two temporary shelter sites for displaced residents, Okpo Elementary School and Okpo General Social Welfare Center in Geoje, since Aug. 18. The company has also been distributing relief supplies such as towels and wet wipes.

SK Broadband has installed Wi-Fi and IPTV at Okpo Elementary School so that displaced residents can use communications services without disruption at the temporary shelter.

"Many people are struggling in the wake of the sudden heavy rains, and we will do our utmost to help affected residents return to their normal lives as quickly as possible," an SK Group official said. "Beyond the monetary donation, SK Group plans to actively engage in a range of recovery support activities."


keg@heraldcorp.com