KOR
▲ Heat Wave Warning
The heat wave advisory previously issued for the northwestern part of Seoul was upgraded to a heat wave warning today (the 2nd).
As a result, a heat wave warning is now in effect across all of Seoul.
Concerns are growing that heat-related illnesses may increase.
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched an all-out response, including protecting vulnerable groups such as residents in jjimjilbangs or makeshift housing areas (jjokbangchon) and spraying water on major roads.
The Korea Meteorological Administration raised the heat wave alert level for northwestern Seoul by one notch as of 11:00 a.m. today.
Previously, heat wave warnings had already been in effect for the southeastern, southwestern, and northeastern parts of the city since the 29th of last month.
Now, all areas of Seoul have entered the zone affected by the heat wave warning.
Alongside the intense heat, nighttime temperatures are also remaining high.
A tropical night advisory has been in place across all of Seoul for nine consecutive days since the 24th.
A heat wave advisory is issued when the highest perceived temperature of the day exceeds 33°C (91°F) for two or more consecutive days.
A tropical night advisory is issued when the lowest nighttime temperature is expected to stay above 26°C (79°F) for a day or longer.
As the heat wave prolongs, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has further strengthened its emergency operation system.
Currently, Seoul's heat wave response crisis alert remains at Level 2, or "Alert."
In addition, the comprehensive heat wave support headquarters has been expanded into eight divisions to implement preventive measures.
Above all, the city is focusing on protecting vulnerable populations from the heat, including homeless people on the streets and residents of jjokbangchon areas.
It is meticulously managing the situation by operating cooling shelters and looking out for the safety of outdoor workers.
To prevent casualties, elderly citizens requiring care are being called to check on their well-being.
For 863 individuals who could not be reached or required checks, officials visited them in person to assess their health status.
Emergency shelter accommodation was provided for 287 homeless people on the streets so they could escape the tropical nights.
Counseling and nighttime patrol activities for them have also been increased.
Housing safety inspections for residents in jjokbangchon areas have been further strengthened.
For individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, officials are reaching out directly through visits or phone calls.
There are 4,094 cooling shelters currently operating across the city to help citizens escape the scorching heat.
Along with neighborhood community centers and senior citizen centers, 414 convenience stores and banks have also been designated as Climate Companion Shelters.
In addition, 62 emergency shelters in public facilities, 30 shelters for mobile workers, and 5,249 heat-reduction facilities are in operation.
To cool down the urban heat even a little, 187 water-mist spray devices have been turned on.
Cooling roads that spray water onto the pavement are operating in 14 locations, and water-cleaning trucks have also been deployed to major roads.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government sent out an emergency text message to all of Seoul at around 10:20 a.m. today.
It urged citizens to refrain from outdoor activities and to drink plenty of water.
Choi Jin-seok, head of Seoul's Disaster and Safety Management Office, emphasized, "Putting the lives and safety of citizens as our top priority, we will operate a response system to ensure that heat wave measures are implemented flawlessly in the field."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
