Gyeonggi Province has formulated and is set to implement a comprehensive heatwave response plan targeting vulnerable groups.
On May 19, Gyeonggi Province announced that it has designated the period until September 30 as the heatwave response period and has established a comprehensive plan focusing on the installation of heat mitigation facilities, support for cooling costs and cooling equipment, and safety management for vulnerable groups such as the elderly living alone and outdoor workers. Notably, this year’s plan includes, for the first time in the country, climate insurance benefits for those diagnosed with heat-related illnesses due to heatwaves.
Due to rising average summer temperatures and the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves caused by climate change, Gyeonggi Province moved up the start date of the heatwave response period by five days, from May 20 last year to May 15 this year.
Under the comprehensive heatwave plan, Gyeonggi Province will operate a joint dedicated response team (TF) or the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, subdividing operations from the initial response stage to emergency level 3, according to the heatwave crisis alert level. In addition, 6.8 billion won from the disaster management fund will be allocated to install 1,347 heat mitigation facilities such as sunshades, and cooling fog (mist spraying devices) will be set up at multi-use facilities such as parks, roads, and markets. Furthermore, “Green Integrated Shelters” equipped with air conditioning will be established on remote routes, and efforts will be strengthened for welfare checks and in-person health visits for vulnerable elderly, patrols in areas with high concentrations of homeless individuals, and monitoring of outdoor workers.
Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (left), is seen last summer visiting the Disaster Safety Situation Room to discuss heatwave countermeasures with officials. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
Additionally, support will be provided for installing air conditioners in 840 low-income households. Other measures include: providing 330,000 won in cooling costs to 8,668 senior centers; establishing four additional shelters for mobile workers; managing outdoor sports events during peak heatwave periods; and implementing measures for livestock and crop management.
This year, for the first time in the country, Gyeonggi Province will provide a payout of 100,000 won to any resident diagnosed with a heat-related illness such as heatstroke or sunstroke through the “Gyeonggi Climate Insurance” program. In particular, for approximately 160,000 climate-vulnerable individuals (those eligible for the city and county public health center home-visit health management program), additional benefits will be provided beyond basic coverage, including hospitalization costs for heat-related illnesses, transportation expenses to medical institutions during weather advisories, ambulance transfer costs during climate disasters, and support for psychological damages caused by climate disasters.
Gyeonggi Province will also expand public awareness campaigns to prevent heatwave-related damages. Using special grants and disaster management funds, the province will support monitoring and promotional activities at outdoor workplaces and agricultural sites, and will actively disseminate heatwave safety guidelines through video display devices in apartment elevators (about 40,000 units) and G-Bus TVs (about 16,000 units).
Kim Sungjung, First Vice Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "With heatwave disasters intensifying every year due to climate change, we are concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups again this year. We will pay close attention to ensure that the heatwave response measures function effectively to protect the health and safety of vulnerable residents and all citizens."
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