Hotter June Than Usual, Beware of 'Heat-Related Illnesses'... Prepare for Heavy Rain Damage During the Monsoon Season

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Focuses on Disaster Safety Accidents Including 'Heavy Rain, Heatwave, Water Play, and Bicycles'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Ahead of early summer in June, the government has selected key types of disaster safety accidents to focus on, including heavy rain, heatwaves, water play, and bicycle accidents, and has requested the public to exercise special caution to prevent damage.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 28th, the rainfall in June this year is expected to be similar to or less than the average (158.6mm), but heavy rain is forecast mainly in the southern regions in the latter part of the month, indicating a high risk of localized heavy downpours in certain areas.

To prevent damage from heavy rain, it is advised to check the drainage systems of houses and surrounding areas before heavy rain begins, and managers of large construction sites or slopes should verify safety conditions such as the risk of collapse.

The nationwide average temperature in summer is generally on the rise despite annual variations. In particular, the average temperature in June this year is expected to be similar to or higher than the average (21.2℃), so caution is needed against heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat edema.

From 2012 to 2019, a total of 13,851 cases of heat-related illnesses occurred domestically, with 128 deaths among them. On days with high temperatures, such as when heatwave warnings are issued, it is recommended to avoid the hot midday sun as much as possible, and the elderly and infants should refrain from outdoor activities and take special care.

From 2015 to 2019, a total of 169 deaths from water play accidents were recorded, with 20 of those occurring in June alone. June is an early period for water play, and safety personnel are not usually stationed at water play sites, making it more dangerous.

June is also the month with the highest number of bicycle accidents and casualties throughout the year. Among the 19,743 bicycle accidents that occurred over three years from 2016 to 2018, 12% happened in June. The main causes of accidents were driver negligence at 48% (9,387 cases), collisions and crashes at 34% (6,712 cases), and failure to follow safety rules at 14% (2,771 cases).

When riding a bicycle, move on the right side of the road, slow down or stop at crosswalks and intersections, avoid speeding, always wear a helmet, and never ride after drinking alcohol.

Yoon Jong-jin, Director of Safety Policy at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "We will do our best to protect the safety of the public by focusing on managing disaster safety accidents that are likely to occur in June in cooperation with related central ministries and local governments," and added, "We hope the public will take an interest and familiarize themselves with safety guidelines to prepare in advance."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.