Seocho-gu Launches '2020 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures'!

Seoripul Wondumak

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Cho) is launching a comprehensive heatwave countermeasure plan, including the establishment of mobile emergency heat shelters, to ensure a safe summer.

The core projects of this comprehensive heatwave plan include ▲operation of mobile emergency heat shelters ▲rental of Seoripul parasols ▲distribution of heatwave kits ▲installation of heat island reduction road blocks ▲installation of fountains at Yangjaecheon waterfront stage ▲application of heat-reducing reflective coating (cool roof), among others.

First, the district will pilot operate mobile emergency heat shelters converted from camping cars for elderly residents vulnerable to heatwaves. These mobile shelters will be deployed at heatwave-vulnerable spots with severe urban heat island effects or no shade to eliminate heatwave blind spots. Inside the mobile emergency heat shelters, cooling supplies such as bottled water and dental masks will be provided to reduce both heat stress and the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Additionally, as a resident-experience project, the district will conduct a Seoripul parasol rental service for three months starting in July. A total of 3,600 parasols with differentiated designs will be stocked, 200 each at 18 community centers, allowing residents visiting the centers to rent them anytime. This is a meticulous measure by the district to prevent heat-related illnesses as much as possible.

Along with this, from July when heatwave warnings are expected, the district will distribute heatwave kits to vulnerable groups. The heatwave kits consist of 10 dental masks that have excellent droplet-blocking ability and are relatively comfortable to breathe through. In connection with COVID-19 prevention, 500,000 sets will be provided in four rounds.

To reduce urban heat islands, the district will improve the pavement with heatwave-reducing road blocks around the music walking path near Exit 12 of Yangjae Station and the Seocho Culture and Arts Center parking lot. Compared to asphalt pavement, these road blocks can reduce temperatures by up to 11°C. A fountain will be installed at the Yangjaecheon waterfront stage to lower the surrounding temperature and provide a unique summer attraction. Furthermore, heat-reducing reflective coatings (cool roofs) will be applied to the rooftops of the district office and seven community centers.

Meanwhile, the district will also take comprehensive measures to prevent damage caused by heatwaves. It will operate the Yangjaecheon falling fountain, Banpocheon Moonlight Rainbow Fountain and ground fountains, deploy water sprinklers on main and side roads, run SOS projects for vulnerable groups, and operate Seoripul Oasis and Smart Eco Shelter to help residents have a safe summer.

Local companies will also contribute to Seocho-gu’s heatwave measures by providing bottled water at the Seoripul Wondumak to quench residents’ thirst. However, considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the operation timing of cooling shelters, parks and Yangjaecheon cooling fog, and Seocho Eco Shelter will be decided after reviewing the COVID-19 situation.

Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain

Mayor Eunhee Cho stated, “We have established a meticulous heatwave countermeasure plan that harmonizes with COVID-19 prevention to ensure all residents remain safe even during the hot summer days.”

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