Seoul City Prepares Measures for 'Heatwave, Flood Prevention, and Health' for Summer Season

Extension of Heat Shelter Hours During Heatwave Warnings
Local Convenience Stores Designated as 'Climate Companion Shelters'
'Companion Partners' for Flood Disaster Vulnerable Groups

Seoul City has prepared measures to expand heat relief shelters and support evacuation for residents in low-lying areas to prevent damage from heatwaves and flooding during the summer season.

On the 12th, Seoul City announced the 2024 comprehensive summer measures, which include systematic support and response plans in three major areas: heatwave, flood control, and public health. These measures will be implemented from the 15th of this month until October 15th, during which seven 'Summer Comprehensive Situation Rooms' will also be operated across different sectors.

First, to protect heat-vulnerable groups, heat relief shelters will be expanded, and nighttime shelters utilizing nearby accommodations such as 'Donghaeng Mokyoktang' (companion bathhouses) will be operated. When a heatwave warning is issued, the operation of heat relief shelters will be extended until around 9 p.m. In areas with a high concentration of homeless people, such as Seoul Station, the 'Heatwave Emergency Relief Team' will patrol and provide counseling more than four times a day to respond to emergency situations.

For outdoor workers, inspections of construction sites will be strengthened to ensure compliance with heatwave stage-specific outdoor work suspension guidelines. From May to August, the 'Heatwave Impact Forecast System' will be implemented at public construction sites to protect workers' health starting from the preliminary warning stage. This system involves increasing water spraying, installing shade structures, large fans, and air conditioners at construction sites, as well as pre-identifying heat illness patients and conducting safety education.

Starting this year, local convenience stores have been designated as 'Climate Companion Shelters' to provide a comfortable resting place for local residents exhausted by the heat. As of February, 41 convenience stores have been designated as Climate Companion Shelters, with plans for continuous expansion. Shelter locations can be checked on the Seoul Safety Nuri website.

To prepare for the increasingly frequent heavy rains caused by abnormal weather, the flood response system has been subdivided from the existing five stages to six stages with the addition of a 'Preliminary Reinforcement' stage. This stage indicates unstable atmospheric conditions with expected sudden heavy rain, although less than 30mm of rain falls in a day, and flood control personnel begin on-duty monitoring.

The 'Donghaeng Partner' program, which assists rapid evacuation of disaster-vulnerable residents living in semi-basement homes who have difficulty escaping on their own, will also be expanded. Launched by Seoul City last year as the first of its kind nationwide, the Donghaeng Partner consists of about five people including community leaders, residents, and public officials, and helps approximately 1,196 households vulnerable to flooding in semi-basement homes evacuate quickly.

To prevent flooding damage in low-lying areas, the '10cm Rainwater Storage' initiative, which temporarily stores rainwater on available land to reduce runoff, will be fully implemented. Flood prevention facilities for semi-basement homes and underground roadways will also be expanded.

Additionally, Seoul City plans to conduct joint hygiene inspections of group meal facilities at daycare centers (in May), schools and kindergartens (in August), and businesses handling agricultural, livestock, and seafood products to prevent food poisoning and summer infectious diseases. Inspections and collection of 15 types of hygiene products such as disposable cups and straws purchased online from overseas will also be carried out. At popular summer spots like the Han River and Gwanghwamun Square, water play facility reservoirs will be cleaned and regular water quality tests conducted. Regular disinfection and heavy metal testing will be performed at sand playgrounds in Han River parks.

Kim Jong-su, Seoul City’s Policy Planning Officer, said, "This summer, various climate phenomena such as heatwaves and heavy rains caused by abnormal weather are expected to occur. We will prepare systematic and detailed support and response plans especially for vulnerable citizens who are more affected by climate change."