As a prolonged heat wave continues to raise concerns about crop damage amid drought conditions, Haenam County Mayor Myung Hyun-kwan conducted site inspections over the weekend on August 8 to assess the response efforts in agricultural areas and key tourist destinations.
Since issuing a heat wave warning on July 24, Haenam County has activated its Disaster Safety Headquarters at Level 1 and has been conducting emergency operations and site inspections across various departments.
On this day, Mayor Myung visited farms growing peppers, figs, and sweet potatoes, which are struggling due to the heat and drought. He examined the growth conditions of the crops and the water supply situation, discussing irrigation measures with local farmers.
He also visited popular summer tourist spots, including Songho Beach and the Dangkkeut Port ferry terminal. Mayor Myung inspected safety management facilities for vacationers and the response measures in place for the heat wave, urging for enhanced preemptive checks and on-site management to prevent accidents.
With the heat wave persisting, the risk of heat-related illnesses among vulnerable groups, including the elderly, outdoor workers, and farmers, has increased. The county is strengthening its response systems in these areas.
The county operates 600 cooling centers across 14 towns and villages, and has set up 29 shade structures and 6 cooling fog systems at major roads and tourist sites. Additionally, two water trucks are deployed in urban areas to help reduce heat.
Safety inspections and daily reports are being conducted at construction sites and other active work areas. Compliance with work regulations, including rest periods during extreme heat, is being monitored, and items for preventing heat-related illnesses, such as thermometers and cooling supplies, are being provided.
Management of agricultural sites has also been intensified.
Safety guidelines for halting agricultural work during extreme heat are being communicated to farmers and seasonal foreign workers through text messages and village broadcasts, along with on-site inspections and community education in each town and village.
The Agricultural Technology Center has formed a support team of 41 members across 7 divisions to engage in activities aimed at preventing damage in the agricultural sector. They are also providing preventive supplies to livestock farms and aquaculture facilities affected by high temperatures.
A protection system for residents particularly vulnerable to heat is also in place. The county is offering health management services to 5,018 high-risk individuals and vulnerable groups, utilizing local personnel from town offices, village leaders, social workers, and volunteer disaster response teams to check on their well-being and health status.
The county urges residents to adhere to heat illness prevention guidelines, including staying hydrated, ensuring access to cooling devices and shade, taking adequate rest, wearing cooling gear, and calling emergency services at 119 in case of emergencies.
When the perceived temperature exceeds 33 degrees Celsius, residents are advised to rest in the shade for 20 minutes within every two hours, and for 15 minutes every hour when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
Mayor Myung Hyun-kwan stated, “As the heat wave continues and drought persists, we must prioritize the safety of our residents above all else. We need to carefully monitor areas at high risk of damage, including agricultural sites, tourist destinations, and vulnerable populations, and ensure that necessary measures are implemented swiftly.”
A county official remarked, “As the heat wave prolongs, special attention is needed for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and farmers. We will do our utmost to prevent damage by enhancing on-site inspections, protecting vulnerable populations, and providing guidance on heat wave action plans.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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