National Heatwave Crisis Alert Raised to 'Warning' Level... 18 Days Earlier Than Last Year

Water jets of the ground fountain in the heatwave (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] As the heatwave intensifies, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the heatwave crisis alert level from 'Caution' to 'Warning' at 12 PM on the 2nd. This year's issuance of the heatwave crisis alert 'Warning' is 18 days earlier than last year (July 20).

On this day, heatwave warnings were issued in 164 out of 178 regions nationwide (92%). It is expected that 82 regions (46%) will experience a daily maximum perceived temperature of 33℃ or higher continuously until the 4th. The heatwave crisis alert levels are Interest → Caution → Warning → Severe. The 'Warning' level is issued when it is expected that 40% of the country will experience a daily maximum perceived temperature of 33℃ or higher for three or more consecutive days.

Accordingly, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety instructed related ministries and local governments to establish management measures for the three major vulnerable groups during heatwaves: outdoor workers at construction sites, elderly workers in fields and farms, and elderly people living alone. They also directed the strengthening of heatwave countermeasures by sector, including preventive measures for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, preparations for power outages, and management plans for infrastructure such as roads and railways.

Kim Sung-joong, Disaster Response Policy Officer at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, urged, "Please refer to the public action guidelines such as refraining from outdoor activities during heatwaves and drinking water frequently, and cooperate to minimize damage caused by the heatwave."

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