Gijang County Mobilizes All Efforts for Residents' Safety Amid Record-breaking Heatwave Forecast

Six 5-Ton Water Sprinkler Trucks Deployed to Ease Urban Heat Island Effect

Various Safety Measures Including Shade Canopies and Cooling Shelters

Gijang County in Busan (Governor Jung Jongbok) announced on the 23rd that it will launch full-scale measures to protect residents and prevent heatwave-related damages in response to the forecast of an "unprecedented heatwave" this summer.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the national average temperature in June was 22.7 degrees Celsius, 1.3 degrees higher than the average, setting a new record. The number of heatwave days was also 2.8 days, four times higher than usual, indicating that this year is expected to be the hottest since weather observations began.

In response, the county plans to deploy six 5-ton water spray trucks to patrol and spray water at least six times a day along 32 kilometers of major and secondary roads in five towns and districts whenever a heatwave warning is issued.

Additional measures include: operation of 152 shaded shelters at crosswalks; 231 cooling shelters; 121 air curtains at bus stops; an emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses; a disaster safety situation room for heatwave response; mobile health management services; Cool Roof support for vulnerable groups; cooling cost support for senior centers; and safety checks for vulnerable elderly residents through customized care services. These comprehensive safety measures aim to minimize heatwave damage.

Jung Jongbok, Governor of Gijang County, stated, "As an unprecedented heatwave is forecast this year, we will do our utmost to protect the health of our residents and prevent any damage during the summer. I urge everyone to refrain from prolonged outdoor activities and stay well-hydrated during heatwave warnings to take good care of their health."

Meanwhile, according to a survey by the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, spraying water on roads during peak daytime temperatures can lower road surface temperature by 6.4°C and surrounding temperature (sidewalks) by 1.5°C, effectively mitigating urban heat island effects. It also helps remove fine dust from roads and prevents road deformation.

Gijang County operates water spraying trucks to prevent heatwave damage on major roads.