Twice-Weekly Patrols During Heatwave Advisories
Elderly Farmers Checked with Parallel Patrol Vehicle Operations
On-Site Support with Bottled Water and Sun Protection Supplies
Gwangsan District in Gwangju is launching heat-related illness prevention activities using drones in rural areas that are vulnerable to the intense summer heat.
Gwangsan District in Gwangju is conducting drone surveillance and patrol activities in rural fields to prevent heatwaves. Photo by Gwangsan District
On August 21, Gwangsan District announced that it will carry out "drone surveillance activities in heatwave-vulnerable areas" until September. The aim is to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in rural areas with a high elderly population by deploying drones even in places that are difficult for vehicles to access, such as farm roads and outlying villages.
The drone surveillance will be conducted alongside the operation of "heatwave prevention patrol vehicles." These patrol vehicles will circulate through five rural districts-Imgok-dong, Donggok-dong, Pyeongdong, Samdo-dong, and Bonryang-dong-and, when a heatwave advisory is issued, drones will be launched to check on the safety of elderly farmers and outdoor workers.
The drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and broadcasting devices, enabling aerial inspections of high-temperature exposure areas such as rice paddies and greenhouses. At the same time, the drones broadcast heatwave safety guidelines, including recommendations to avoid outdoor work, take sufficient breaks, and stay hydrated. Banners are also displayed to deliver preventive messages from a distance.
The patrol vehicles carry ice-cold bottled water and sun protection items, and if a dangerous situation is detected, they immediately dispatch to the site to provide supplies and assist workers in taking breaks and staying safe.
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