Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung visited Hampyeong-gun, South Jeolla Province, today (the 29th) to inspect heat wave response efforts utilizing village loudspeakers, drones, and vehicles, while encouraging activities to prevent heat-related illnesses among farmers.

During her visit, Minister Song urged residents and foreign seasonal workers in Sanggang Village, Daedong-myeon, to refrain from farm work between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. when heat wave warnings are issued, and to ensure adequate hydration and rest.

She also requested special attention and care for elderly residents living alone and those with limited mobility.

In addition, Minister Song delivered heat-related illness prevention items, such as cooling kits and cooling scarves, as well as safety guidelines translated into foreign languages.

She then inspected heat wave damage prevention activities utilizing forest fire surveillance drones and vehicles, which were introduced for the first time this year.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Korea Forest Service, the Rural Development Administration, local governments, and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation plan to patrol farming areas and villages using drones and vehicles when heat wave warnings are in effect to alert working farmers to heat risks and promptly report heat illness victims to 119 for swift rescue.

Furthermore, Minister Song visited Hampyeong Cheonji Agricultural Cooperative to tour the operation of the Rural Wangjin Bus service and encouraged medical staff and officials.

She handed out heat wave preparedness items to elderly residents using the Wangjin Bus and urged them to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Minister Song stated, "Preventing casualties among farmers due to heat waves is of the utmost importance," adding, "Please strictly follow heat wave safety guidelines, such as stopping farm work during the hottest hours of the day and taking sufficient rest."

(Photo: Yonhap News)