CDCHQ, First Ever 'Heatwave Response Level 2'... 6 Billion Won Emergency Support

Instructions on Heatwave Response and Power Supply Measures

On the 3rd at 5 p.m., the Ministry of the Interior and Safety elevated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) emergency duty from Level 1 to Level 2 to respond to the heatwave. This is the first time that Level 2, rather than Level 1, has been activated for heatwave response.

As the heatwave continues, a long line forms at a free meal center near Tapgol Park in Jongno on the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

This escalation was made because heatwave warnings have been issued nationwide, and it is expected that over the next three days, more than 108 areas will experience a maximum perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher, meeting the criteria for raising the CDSCH to Level 2.

Lee Sang-min, head of the CDSCH (Minister of the Interior and Safety), emphasized, "Since this is the first time the CDSCH Level 2 has been activated for heatwave response, all agencies and local governments must respond to the current situation with utmost determination."

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety activated the CDSCH for heatwave response on the 1st and raised the heatwave crisis alert level to the highest 'Severe' stage. This is the first time in four years since 2019 that a severe heatwave alert has been issued.

The Ministry announced that it will provide a total of 6 billion KRW in heatwave countermeasure funds to prevent and overcome heatwave damage. It will urgently allocate 3 billion KRW in special disaster safety grants to 17 metropolitan cities and provinces, and separately provide 3 billion KRW to Jeonbuk to ensure the safe operation of the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree.

The 3 billion KRW allocated to Jeonbuk will be immediately used for additional installation of hospital cooling facilities to prevent heat-related illnesses at the World Scout Jamboree, support for heatwave prevention supplies and emergency supplies for heat illness patients, and increasing the number of cooling shuttle buses.

The 3 billion KRW allocated to the 17 metropolitan cities and provinces will be used to strengthen heatwave countermeasures such as extending the operation of shelters for vulnerable groups like residents of small rooms and homeless people, expanding the installation of heatwave mitigation facilities, and distributing prevention supplies.

The CDSCH urged all ministries to devote their full efforts to heatwave response. Additionally, regarding the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, it emphasized that related agencies, centered on the organizing committee, must do their utmost to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Furthermore, local governments were instructed to promptly execute heatwave countermeasure funds and various support funds and to cooperate with relevant central ministries to thoroughly prevent and respond to heatwave damage.

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