Local Districts Propose Heatwave Measures Amid Intense Summer Heat

This Week's Seoul Daytime High Temperature Reaches 30°C
Autonomous Districts Compete to Activate Heatwave Response Headquarters

As daytime temperatures fluctuate around 30 degrees Celsius, Seoul's autonomous districts are competing to implement heatwave countermeasures. Water spraying truck operating in Yangcheon-gu. Provided by Yangcheon-gu.

With daytime high temperatures in Seoul reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius, a nationwide heatwave has begun. Midweek forecasts predict temperatures in Seoul will rise to 32 degrees Celsius, marking the start of local governments' battle against the scorching heat. The heatwave is especially harsh on vulnerable groups with poor cooling conditions in their residences.

Guro-gu will operate a total of 247 senior cooling centers, including 194 senior centers, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays until the end of September this year. When a heatwave advisory is issued, the operating hours of 21 extended shelters such as community centers and welfare centers will be extended until 9 p.m. Additionally, ‘Heatwave Safety Lodgings’ will be provided for vulnerable households such as elderly living alone or elderly couples aged 65 and over. These safety lodgings are two hotels within the district that have agreements with the district office.

Furthermore, sanctions will be imposed on shelters that violate regulations, including warnings, recovery of support funds, and revocation of heatwave shelter designation for those who do not comply with operating hours or obstruct shelter use by non-members of senior centers.

Dongdaemun-gu will also operate a ‘2024 Comprehensive Heatwave Countermeasure’ during the same period, running a ‘Heatwave TF Team’ during normal times, a ‘Heatwave Comprehensive Support Situation Room’ when advisories are issued, and a ‘Heatwave Disaster Safety Countermeasure Headquarters’ in case of large-scale damage.

To provide special protection for heatwave-vulnerable groups, outdoor shelter water refrigerators will be installed and operated, a heat-related illness monitoring system will be run, cooling equipment support projects will be implemented, beverage and bath voucher support will be provided to vulnerable groups through the district’s Hope Welfare Committee, and special patrols will be conducted to protect homeless people on the streets.

Yangcheon-gu will operate 953 disaster helpers this summer to provide stronger protection for heatwave-vulnerable groups. These disaster helpers, composed of elderly caregivers, welfare workers, and community leaders, will check on the health of vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, chronic disease patients, and people with disabilities through phone calls and visits. In case of heatwave victims, they will immediately report to the management department and the heatwave countermeasure headquarters to coordinate necessary support.

Geumcheon-gu has designated the period from the 15th of last month to October 15th as the ‘Summer Comprehensive Countermeasure’ period for five months. To prepare for the heatwave, a heatwave countermeasure task force centered on five departments, including the Resident Safety Division, has been formed to monitor heatwave-related situations in real time. When a heatwave advisory is issued due to high temperatures, the task force will switch to a heatwave countermeasure headquarters to respond to any damage. For flood and wind disaster preparedness, a Flood and Wind Disaster Safety Countermeasure Headquarters composed of 13 working teams and 87 members will operate, maintaining a phased emergency duty system and working on flood damage prevention and recovery.