After the Monsoon Ends, Heatwave Intensifies... Response Measures

Yongsan-gu Fully Commits to Summer Heatwave Countermeasures

‘Heatwave Advisory’ Issued from 10 AM on the 19th

Heatwave Measures Implemented Including Protection of Vulnerable Groups and Strengthening Operation of Heatwave Reduction Facilities

Establishing a Close Response System to Prioritize Residents’ Safety

As the monsoon heavy rains subside, the ongoing heatwave raises concerns about the health of Seoul citizens.

Amid this, Yongsan-gu (Mayor Park Hee-young) has launched an all-out response to minimize damage to residents caused by the summer heatwave, following the continuous issuance of ‘Heatwave Advisories.’ The rainfall in Yongsan-gu due to the concentrated heavy rain on the 14th and 15th was 150mm. Flood control measures continued until they were lifted at 6 PM on the 18th. With the monsoon rains easing, the concern now shifts to the heatwave. Meteorological authorities forecast high humidity and a maximum perceived temperature of over 33 degrees Celsius until the 21st, issuing a ‘Heatwave Advisory’ at 10 AM on the 19th.

Accordingly, the district immediately activated the Heatwave Countermeasures Headquarters (4 teams, 26 members) to implement heatwave measures such as protecting vulnerable groups and operating cooling shelters. Centered on the Safety and Disaster Department, the measures include ▲strengthening protection activities for vulnerable groups (Welfare Policy Division, Elderly and Youth Division, Social Welfare Division, Health Management Division, Community Service Centers) ▲inspection and enhanced operation and management of heatwave reduction facilities (Elderly and Youth Division, Cleaning Administration Division, Parks and Greenery Division) ▲promotion of heatwave action guidelines and heatwave information (Public Relations Officer, Smart Information Division).

First, protection activities for vulnerable groups will be strengthened. Disaster helpers composed of life support workers, elderly caregivers, and social workers will check the health and safety of vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, residents of small rooms, and homeless people through visits or welfare calls. Outdoor workers and construction sites will also be encouraged to comply with heatwave safety rules, and compliance will be checked for those under direct management.

Operation and management of various heatwave reduction facilities will be enhanced. A total of 109 cooling shelters, easily accessible to anyone seeking relief from the heat, will be extended in operation, and one safety accommodation serving as a nighttime shelter to prepare for tropical nights will also be operated. The 113 shade tents installed at major crosswalks and traffic islands with high pedestrian traffic, as well as 15 water facilities such as cooling fog and fountains, will be continuously monitored for operational status. Additionally, to mitigate the urban heat island effect, large water-cleaning vehicles and private watering trucks will be additionally deployed on major arterial and general roads.

Promotion of heatwave action guidelines and heatwave information targeting residents will also be strengthened. Heatwave forecast services will be provided to managers of vulnerable groups to enable immediate protective activities. Heatwave alert situations and action guidelines will be promoted through the district website, Yongsan AlimTalk, digital bulletin boards, and SNS to rapidly disseminate heatwave information.

Noksapyeong Station Traffic Island Smart Shade Shelter

Park Hee-young, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, “Just as heavy rains nationwide have caused significant damage, heatwaves also require management equivalent to disaster situations, so we will establish a close response system.” He added, “We will thoroughly prepare with residents’ safety as the top priority and make every effort to manage the health of the elderly and vulnerable groups.”

A ‘Heatwave Advisory’ is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to remain above 33 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days, or when a rapid rise in perceived temperature or prolonged heatwave is expected to cause serious damage.

The heatwave level can be checked on the Korea Meteorological Administration website or through weather alert apps.

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