Hot Weather Expected to Persist for the Time Being
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that, as heatwave warnings have expanded nationwide, the heatwave crisis alert level was raised from 'Caution' to 'Warning' as of 4 p.m. on the 21st.
The 'Warning' level of the heatwave crisis alert is issued when the daily maximum perceived temperature is expected to remain above 33 degrees Celsius for three or more consecutive days in more than 40% of the nationwide warning areas. Currently, heatwave warnings have been issued in 113 out of 183 warning areas nationwide (62%), and the heatwave is expected to continue for the time being.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration as of 4 p.m. on the same day, heatwave advisories have been issued in the following areas: △ Gangwon Province (Gangneung Plain, Donghae Plain, Samcheok Plain, Sokcho Plain, Goseong Plain, Yangyang Plain, Hongcheon Plain, Southern Gangwon Mountain Area) △ Chungnam (Cheonan, Gongju, Asan, Nonsan, Buyeo, Cheongyang, Dangjin, Hongseong) △ Chungbuk (Cheongju, Okcheon, Yeongdong, Chungju, Jincheon, Eumseong, Jeungpyeong) △ Jeonnam (Gokseong, Gurye, Hwasun, excluding Heuksando and Hongdo) △ Jeonbuk (excluding Jangsu and Jeongeup) △ Gyeongbuk (excluding Gyeongju) △ Gyeongnam (excluding Changwon, Changnyeong, Sancheong) △ Jeju Island (Western Jeju, Northern Jeju, Southern Jeju, Northern Jeju mid-mountain area) △ Daejeon △ Gwangju △ Daegu △ Busan △ Ulsan △ Sejong.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety urged related ministries and local governments to establish emergency response systems for the heatwave and to strengthen protection activities for the elderly farmers and fishermen, field workers, and socially and economically vulnerable groups.
Additionally, it instructed thorough implementation of heatwave countermeasures in respective sectors such as roads and railways, and to monitor damage situations in real-time to minimize casualties and property damage caused by the heatwave.
Lee Han-kyung, Director of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said, "Since the heatwave is expected to continue for the time being, the government and local governments will mobilize all available personnel and resources to respond," and added, "We ask the public to cooperate by practicing recommended actions such as refraining from outdoor activities or farming during the hottest hours to minimize heatwave damage."
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