President Lee Jae-myung on August 6 directed the government and local authorities to mobilize all available personnel and resources in response to the ongoing extreme heat and drought affecting southern regions. He stated, "The heatwave we used to see in foreign reports has become our reality."
During a meeting at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in Seoul, President Lee remarked, "We are experiencing an unprecedented and severe heatwave that continues day after day." He noted that temperatures in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for several days.
He emphasized the need for an emergency response system to remain active until the heatwave subsides, saying, "Given the likelihood of continued extreme heat, the government must be prepared to respond with urgency."
President Lee highlighted that the most important task for the government is to protect the lives and safety of citizens. He urged all ministries and local governments to fully mobilize their available resources to minimize the impact of the heatwave.
He specifically called for enhanced protective measures for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly living alone and residents of small rooms. "For those who cannot access cooling facilities, we must check on them directly and provide careful attention," he said.
The president also stressed the importance of ensuring worker safety during the heatwave. He instructed officials to thoroughly inspect whether outdoor work stoppages and rest periods during the hottest hours are being properly implemented, urging authorities to ensure safety regulations are strictly followed.
He called for proactive measures to prevent damage to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure, stating, "We must take all necessary precautions to protect livestock, aquaculture, and crops, and closely monitor the safety of roads, railways, and power supply."
Regarding the worsening drought in southern regions, President Lee requested stable water supply measures. He noted, "With no rain forecasted for the time being, we must actively pursue alternative water supply and operation of pumping equipment to ensure there are no disruptions in water supply."
He added that for areas without water supply, such as islands and mountainous regions, emergency water supply measures should be implemented alongside long-term water source development plans.
President Lee reiterated the need to mobilize all administrative resources to minimize the damage caused by the heatwave and drought, urging agencies to respond with a sense of responsibility that citizens can feel. He also requested that the health and safety of on-site responders, including public officials, police, firefighters, and volunteers, be thoroughly managed.
Attending the meeting were Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, and Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, along with other relevant ministers, while local governments and agencies such as the Korea Meteorological Administration, National Police Agency, and National Fire Agency participated via video conference.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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