Han Deuk-soo, the mayor of Imsil County in North Jeolla Province, is prioritizing citizen safety as he conducts on-site inspections in response to the ongoing record heatwave.
According to the county, Imsil has been under a heatwave warning since August 1, with temperatures exceeding 35°C this month.
On August 3, temperatures reached 38°C, with a perceived temperature of 37.2°C, resulting in four reported cases of heat-related illnesses.
In response, Mayor Han visited the Sangseong Senior Center in Imsil-eup, the Huri Senior Center in Osu-myeon, and various poultry and pig farms to assess the heatwave response and listen to the concerns of residents and farmers.
During his visits, Han checked the operation of cooling systems at the heat relief centers, ensuring they were functioning properly, and addressed any issues faced by users while also checking on the health of elderly residents to encourage safe summer practices.
He then inspected poultry and pig farms, focusing on temperature management within barns, ventilation systems, and water supply management, while gathering feedback from farmers on their experiences.
The county is operating a task force for heatwave response until September 30, establishing a close collaboration system among departments. They are maintaining an emergency response system and a 24-hour situation management system during heatwave warnings.
This year, the county has incorporated a new emergency response standard for heatwaves with perceived temperatures above 38°C, enhancing their response measures.
Imsil has completed inspections of cooling facilities at 334 heat relief centers, and in the event of continued tropical nights, some centers will extend their operating hours from 6 PM to 10 PM to ensure the safety of residents in poor living conditions.
Additionally, the county operates 23 fixed and smart shade structures in areas with high foot traffic, and during heatwave warnings, five water trucks will be deployed to spray water along 23 kilometers of major roads to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Efforts to protect vulnerable populations have also been strengthened.
Outreach programs are being conducted for 6,253 elderly and vulnerable individuals, including health checks and emergency first aid training. Guidelines for heatwave preparedness are being distributed at health centers and welfare facilities to promote preventive measures.
In the agricultural sector, local safety networks, including village leaders and self-defense teams, are collaborating to advise elderly farmers against working during peak heat hours and to encourage adequate rest, while enhancing awareness through village broadcasts and on-site monitoring.
In the livestock sector, the county is focusing on guiding farmers in checking ventilation systems, operating cooling equipment, and ensuring adequate water supply to prevent livestock deaths.
Moving forward, the county plans to continuously monitor the situation and strengthen on-site responses, including operating water trucks and providing heat prevention supplies, to minimize harm to residents during heatwave warnings.
Mayor Han stated, "Finding solutions to heatwave responses is crucial on the ground. We will enhance our field administration to ensure that we hear the voices of our citizens directly and focus all administrative efforts to prevent any loss of life or property."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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