Ministry of the Interior and Safety Reviews Monsoon and Heatwave Preparedness; Storm Crisis Alert Raised to 'Caution'

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung held the 2026 Summer Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Meeting with relevant agencies today (July 2) to review preparedness for summer heavy rainfall and heatwaves, the ministry announced. The meeting covered safety measures for storm and flood damage, extreme heat, and water-related activities.

In particular, the ministry reviewed the disaster response status by sector to ensure there are no gaps in the local government disaster response systems following the launch of the 9th popularly elected local governments and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City.

As the monsoon season begins nationwide due to the northward movement of a stationary front, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety raised the disaster crisis alert level for storm and flood damage to 'Caution' as of 2:00 p.m. today.

Minister Yun checked the results of preliminary inspections and maintenance of approximately 4.28 million disaster-risk facilities nationwide, including rainwater gutters and drainage pipes. He also verified that a 24-hour emergency response system between relevant agencies can operate without disruption in the event of dangerous weather conditions.

Regarding heatwave countermeasures, the minister reviewed customized protection plans for vulnerable elderly individuals, residents of small single-room dwellings (jjokbang), and outdoor workers, as well as the operational status of heatwave shelters and heat-reduction facilities.

Ahead of the summer vacation season, the ministry also examined the status of safety facilities and the deployment of safety management personnel in water recreation areas, including valleys, streams, and beaches.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to strengthen the promotion of water safety rules, such as warming up before entering the water, wearing life jackets, and refraining from swimming after drinking alcohol. It also intends to conduct surprise inspections on the working conditions of safety management personnel.

Minister Yun stated, "Together with the newly launched 9th popularly elected local governments, we will not lower our guard and will focus all our capabilities on protecting the lives and safety of the public." He added, "We urge citizens to frequently check weather information and disaster safety text messages, and to familiarize themselves with safety rules and behavioral guidelines for heavy rain, heatwaves, and water activities."
 
(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.