President Lee: "Worst Heat Wave in History... National Climate Disaster Situation"

[Anchor]

As record-breaking heat waves continued today (Aug. 6), with Seoul's peak temperature reaching 39°C (102°F), President Lee Jae-myung called for an all-out response, stating that the situation is "effectively a national climate disaster." He also instructed authorities to minimize heat-related damage through safety measures for vulnerable groups and outdoor workers, while preparing countermeasures against droughts.

[Reporter Kang Cheongwan]

[Reporter]

Presiding over a meeting of senior presidential secretaries, President Lee expressed deep concern, noting that the worst heat wave in history is sweeping across the country and threatening the lives of citizens.

[President Lee Jae-myung: This is practically a national climate disaster situation. With a level of vigilance higher than ever before, we must raise the level, scope, and speed of our policy responses to the maximum.]

Stating that the top priority is protecting the lives and safety of citizens, he ordered administrative resources to be concentrated particularly on residents in vulnerable facilities such as goshiwon-style rooms or impoverished neighborhoods, as well as laborers working outdoors at construction sites, farming and fishing villages, and parking lots.

President Lee emphasized that fundamental infrastructure improvements—such as housing, water supply facilities, power grids, and heat response facilities—are necessary to adapt to climate disaster situations that have become the "new normal." He instructed officials to review the establishment of related facilities and the necessary budget preparation.

Earlier this morning, President Lee presided over an inspection meeting on heat wave and drought response situations at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in the Seoul Government Complex.

Along with measures to prevent damage from the heat wave, he noted that droughts are worsening mainly in the southern regions and called for preemptive responses.

[President Lee Jae-myung: As there are no forecasts for rain for the time being, we must actively pursue alternative water supply and operate pumping equipment to ensure there are no disruptions in a stable water supply.]

President Lee also urged officials to thoroughly look after the health and safety of on-site response personnel, including public officials, police, firefighters, and volunteers.

(Photo: Yonhap News) (Video by Ha Ryung and Yoon Hyung | Video Editing by Wee Won-yang)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.