▲ Citizens use parasols while crossing a street near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 18, as the first heat wave advisory of the summer was issued for parts of the capital area. (Photo: Yonhap News)
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that a heat wave advisory was issued for the southeastern and southwestern parts of the city as of 2:00 p.m. on June 18.
The affected areas include a total of 11 districts: Gangdong, Songpa, Gangnam, Seocho, Gangseo, Yangcheon, Guro, Yeongdeungpo, Dongjak, Gwanak, and Geumcheon.
This marks the first heat wave advisory issued in Seoul this summer, arriving 12 days earlier than last year's first advisory on June 30, the city reported.
To minimize heat-related damage, the city has activated its Comprehensive Heat Wave Support Situation Room.
This center monitors weather conditions, tracks damage reports, and manages response activities, including the protection of vulnerable populations and facilities.
The 11 autonomous districts under the heat wave advisory are also maintaining a collaborative system with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, operating their own situation rooms and stockpiling cooling and emergency relief supplies to prepare for potential heat-related incidents.
To prevent casualties, the city is strengthening care activities for vulnerable elderly individuals, such as checking on their well-being.
Furthermore, to protect construction workers who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to outdoor labor, the city is recommending that employers ensure sufficient rest periods and provide adequate rest areas, while also inspecting compliance with these measures.
For all citizens, the city is providing guidance on heat wave safety tips through digital billboards across the city.
Information on safety tips, real-time disaster alerts, cooling centers, and heat-reduction facilities such as shade canopies can also be found on the Seoul disaster safety portal, 'Seoul Safety Nuri' (https://safecity.seoul.go.kr).
Han Byeong-yong, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Disaster and Safety Management Office, stated, "The heat has arrived early this year," adding, "The city of Seoul will do its utmost to respond to the heat wave, including protecting vulnerable groups, and we ask that all citizens take extra care of their health."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.