Gangseo-gu Activates Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasures

Operation of Heat Relief Shelters and Shade Structures
Continuous Operation of Heatwave Situation Management TF

A heatshade installed in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Provided by Gangseo-gu.

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) announced on the 24th that it has established a comprehensive heatwave countermeasure plan and will take proactive measures to protect residents' health from this summer's heatwave. The Korea Meteorological Administration also forecasted a higher probability of hotter weather than last year, making thorough preparation for the heatwave necessary.

Gangseo-gu will operate the "Heatwave Situation Management Joint TF," composed of the Situation Management General Team, Emergency Living Support Team, and Facility Countermeasure Team, on a regular basis until September 30, the heatwave countermeasure period. The TF team will oversee situation management, establish an information delivery system, protect vulnerable groups, and prepare for the heatwave.

Shade shelters where residents can avoid the scorching sun on the streets have been in operation since April, when the early heat began. Currently, 153 locations have been installed, and 22 more will be added this year.

Additionally, 223 locations including welfare centers, community service centers, and senior citizen lounges have been designated and operated as heatwave shelters. These shelters operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. During heatwave warnings, the operating hours of 20 senior centers serving as heatwave shelters will be extended until 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays.

Special efforts are also being made to protect vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and people with disabilities. One hundred thirty disaster helpers check on the well-being and health of about 1,380 elderly living alone. In addition, around 30 visiting nurses provide home health care services by visiting the homes of elderly living alone, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses to check their health status.

Furthermore, the district plans to focus on road water cleaning during heatwave warnings to mitigate the urban heat island effect and conduct joint inspections of energy supply facilities vulnerable to heat, such as petroleum and gas, to ensure summer safety management.

Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, "We will do our best to ensure that residents can spend the hot summer comfortably through thorough heatwave preparation," and added, "We ask residents to familiarize themselves in advance with the national action guidelines for heatwave preparedness to avoid damage."