SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) -Seoul authorities on Monday plans to tap emergency disaster funds if necessary for an expanded heat-wave response as the country's hottest and longest spell migrated to the capital region after scorching southern provinces for weeks, with temperatures forecast nearing 40 degrees in daytime in the capital region.
The city administration convened an emergency heat-wave meeting to ensure relief measures were working on the ground rather than remaining on paper. Officials pledged to mobilize all available resources, including disaster-management funds and special adjustment grants, to expand frontline support as the extreme heat persists.
The Korea Meteorological Administration said easterly winds crossing the Taebaek Mountains would shift the foehn effect toward western South Korea, intensifying heat across the Seoul metropolitan area after contributing to record temperatures in the southeast. The phenomenon heats and dries air as it descends mountain slopes.
Seoul, Daejeon and other western cities were forecast to reach 37 degrees, while Gwangju was expected to top out at 39 degrees. Daegu and Yangsan, where heat tends to linger because of their basin geography, were also forecast to hit 39 degrees. Nationwide daytime highs were expected to range from 33 to 39 degrees.
The emergency response comes as heat-related illnesses continue to climb.
Seoul has reported 162 heat-related illnesses and two deaths as of Saturday, with nearly 80 percent of cases occurring outdoors. The city said it would continue monitoring 63,000 vulnerable residents, operate 280 emergency medical response units, expand cooling shelters and roadside water spraying, and strengthen protections for outdoor workers.
Officials said 92 heat-related illnesses have been recorded in Incheon since mid-May as prolonged heat warnings continue across the region.
"All measures must work in the field," first deputy mayor Jeong Sang-hoon said, adding that the city would use every available funding source to strengthen emergency support as the heat wave becomes longer and more intense.
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