(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Jin-song = The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 25th that as heat wave special reports have been issued for most parts of the country, it has raised the heat wave crisis warning level to 'serious' and will activate the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) Level 1 starting at 2:00 PM that day.
The 'serious' level heat wave warning is issued when the highest perceived temperature is expected to remain above 35 degrees Celsius for three days or more in 40% of the country.
As of 10 am on this day, a heat wave warning was issued for 180 areas (98%) out of 183 special warning areas nationwide.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's heat-related illness surveillance system, the number of patients with heat-related illnesses due to the heat wave has reached 1,979, including 10 estimated deaths as of the previous day.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters ordered relevant ministries and local governments to respond with all their might at the government-wide level to minimize damage caused by the heat wave.
In particular, measures to protect vulnerable groups to heat waves, such as the elderly, farmers, and people living in boarding houses, were strengthened, and management and supervision were strengthened to ensure that heat-related illness prevention rules are followed at outdoor worker workplaces such as construction sites and at events with large crowds.
In addition, they requested that shelters and heatwave reduction facilities be actively operated in preparation for heat waves, and that fire precautions and power supply and demand management be thoroughly implemented due to the increased use of air conditioners.
Yoon Ho-joong, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of the Interior and Safety), urged, “Please refrain from outdoor activities as much as possible during hot sunny hours, and drink plenty of water, etc. Please prioritize your health by following the guidelines.”
