Yangsan Implements Comprehensive Measures Against Severe Heatwave

Yangsan City in Gyeongnam has established the "2024 Comprehensive Heatwave Response Plan" and will implement detailed measures until September 30 to protect the lives and safety of citizens from the severe heatwave expected after the end of the rainy season.

Last year, heatwaves in Korea resulted in 2,818 cases of heat-related illnesses and 32 deaths nationwide, and in Gyeongnam Province, there were 226 cases and 1 death. However, despite being the third most populous city in Gyeongnam, Yangsan City reported only five cases of heat-related illnesses.

This year, with abnormal weather patterns expected to increase the number of heatwave days compared to last year, the city has prepared the 2024 Comprehensive Heatwave Response Plan with the goal of strengthening protection for vulnerable groups and ensuring swift responses. The plan includes four key areas: ▲Establishing heatwave situation management and response systems ▲Implementing citizen-oriented heatwave measures ▲Preventing damage in agriculture, livestock, and industry ▲Promoting heatwave prevention measures, with detailed action plans for each area.

First, to manage real-time heatwave situations and activate response systems, Yangsan City has formed and operates a Heatwave Response Task Force. When a heatwave warning is issued, the situation is monitored and communicated to citizens, and various measures are implemented such as extending the operation hours of water-spraying vehicles and cooling fog systems in parks to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Currently, there are 98 shade canopies installed throughout Yangsan City, and an additional 10 or more will be installed in areas like Sasong New Town, where the population has surged due to new city development, to ensure a comfortable and safe walking environment for citizens.

Shade shelters for heatwave preparedness.

Additionally, for vulnerable groups, 253 designated cooling shelters such as senior centers, community centers, and welfare facilities will be operated. The city also plans to designate additional cooling shelters at various public institutions and strengthen public awareness campaigns to promote their use.

Heatwave Shelter for Extreme Heat Preparedness.

Furthermore, cooling fog systems are currently installed in five parks (Water Park, Design Park, Campus Station Park, Seoksan Neighborhood Park, and Myeongdong Park) and operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the heatwave period, operating hours will be extended by two hours until 6 p.m. During the most vulnerable hours (10 a.m.?12 p.m. and 2 p.m.?4 p.m.), all administrative welfare center staff will monitor their respective areas to encourage outdoor workers such as farm and construction workers to take breaks, and conduct promotional activities to prevent heat-related illnesses.

A Yangsan City official stated, "As we expect severe heatwaves this year, we will mobilize all available resources and methods to prepare thoroughly," adding, "The effectiveness of these measures will be maximized with active cooperation from citizens," and requested the active interest and participation of the public.