The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is elevating its disaster response unit, previously led by a director-general, to a command center headed by a vice minister in response to the prolonged heat wave and drought. Next week will mark the start of a special management period, during which resources will be concentrated to protect elderly farmers and foreign workers from heat-related illnesses, as well as to prevent damage to livestock and crops.
On August 7, Vice Minister Kim Jong-gu chaired a meeting to assess agricultural disaster response measures, discussing sector-specific strategies. Participants included representatives from the Rural Development Administration, the Korea Forest Service, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and local governments.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, a major heat wave warning has been issued for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeolla regions. Most of the country is under a heat wave advisory, with forecasts indicating continued hot weather and little to no rain in the coming days.
In line with a presidential directive issued on August 6 to strengthen the heat wave response system, the Ministry is transitioning its disaster response unit to a command center led by the vice minister. The Ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to implement a system aimed at preventing fatalities from heat-related illnesses.
Starting August 7, a special management period for the heat wave and drought will be in effect. The Rural Development Administration will expand the activities of personnel dedicated to preventing heat-related illnesses, while the Korea Forest Service and local governments will enhance field inspections and public announcements using drones and vehicles.
Foreign workers will receive text messages in 18 languages detailing heat prevention measures and how to report if their right to rest is not upheld. A campaign will also be launched in collaboration with agricultural organizations to emphasize the importance of adequate rest during heat waves.
To mitigate livestock deaths, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and local governments will use disinfection vehicles to spray water on livestock barns and surrounding areas, while also identifying vulnerable farms for direct support.
Field technical guidance will be strengthened to prevent sunburn damage to crops such as fruit trees. Farmers will be advised on measures to protect their crops, including installing shade nets and operating air circulation fans.
Vice Minister Kim stated, “During the special management period next week, all agencies must focus their efforts on minimizing fatalities among farmers,” and instructed related organizations to actively address on-site challenges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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