Seoul Gangseo-gu's Full-Scale Response to Consecutive Heatwaves

Expansion of 156 Heatshade Locations, Operation of 221 Heat Relief Centers

Checking on Vulnerable Groups such as Elderly Living Alone, Distribution of Relief Supplies, Deployment of Water Sprinkler Trucks to Alleviate Urban Heat Island Effect

Gangseo-gu, Seoul is operating a comprehensive support situation room amid the ongoing heatwave, making every effort to prevent heat-related damage.

The district announced that it is conducting extensive activities to protect residents' health and safety from the heatwave.

First, the heatshades providing cool shade for pedestrians have increased from 111 locations in 2022 to 125 locations currently installed and operating this year, with plans to expand to 156 locations.

A total of 221 locations, including welfare centers, community service centers, and senior citizen lounges, are open and operating as heat relief centers.

Heat relief centers usually operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but when a heatwave warning is issued, 20 district-run senior centers extend their hours until 9 p.m. on weekdays and operate from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

For households in poor living conditions without air conditioning, such as semi-basements, rooftop rooms, and goshiwons, safe shelters are provided for care support.

The district has signed business agreements with local hotels to use them as heatwave shelters when heatwave warnings are issued.

Disaster helpers are also operating to protect vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone.

These disaster helpers check on the well-being of vulnerable individuals and respond promptly if damage occurs, while also distributing relief supplies to prepare for the heatwave.

During daytime hours when the perceived temperature is high, water sprinkler trucks are intensively deployed to alleviate the urban heat island effect.

Seven water sprinkler trucks operate along 15 routes within the district, conducting watering operations to cool down the intensely heated roads.

Park Dae-woo, Acting Mayor of Gangseo-gu, said, “To prevent heatwave damage, please refrain from outdoor activities when a heatwave warning is issued, stay well hydrated, and take care of your health. The district will also strengthen monitoring activities and manage vulnerable groups to ensure that all residents can safely get through the summer.”

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