President Lee Jae-myung directed government and local authorities to mobilize all available personnel and resources in response to the ongoing extreme heat and drought affecting southern regions. "The heatwave we used to see in foreign reports has become our reality," he stated during a meeting on heatwave and drought response at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters in Seoul.
President Lee noted that temperatures in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days. He emphasized the likelihood of continued extreme heat and urged the government to activate a comprehensive response system until conditions improve.
"The most important task for the government is to protect the lives and safety of the people," he said, calling on all ministries and local governments to do their utmost to minimize heat-related damage.
He specifically instructed officials to enhance protective measures for vulnerable groups, including the elderly living alone and residents of small rooms. He stressed the need for direct outreach to check on those who may have difficulty accessing cooling facilities.
President Lee also highlighted the importance of ensuring worker safety during the heatwave. He called for thorough inspections to ensure compliance with work stoppage and rest periods during the hottest hours at outdoor job sites, urging authorities to enforce safety regulations diligently.
He emphasized proactive measures to prevent damage to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. He instructed officials to take precautions against potential harm to livestock, aquaculture, and crops, while closely monitoring the safety of roads, railways, and power supply.
Additionally, he requested that the health and safety of on-site responders, including public officials, police, firefighters, and volunteers, be prioritized.
In light of the worsening drought, particularly in southern regions, President Lee called for stable water supply measures. He noted the lack of rain in the forecast and urged the active promotion of alternative water supply and pumping equipment to ensure a steady water supply.
He also stressed the need for long-term water supply solutions, including the development of alternative water sources, in areas without access to public water supply.
During a subsequent closed-door meeting, relevant ministries and local governments reported on the current status and response measures regarding heatwave and drought damage.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that it is strengthening tailored protection for vulnerable groups, including the elderly living alone, disabled households, the homeless, and residents of small rooms. The Ministry of Employment and Labor explained plans to enhance field inspections and financial support for businesses vulnerable to heat.
Local governments, including Gyeonggi Province and South Gyeongsang Province, also reported on the status of heatwave and drought damage in their regions and their future response plans.
President Lee inquired whether the Ministry of Health and Welfare could utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to check on vulnerable populations, urging all departments to pay more attention to administrative digitization and the use of new technologies.
This request is interpreted as a call to shift from reactive measures after heatwave damage occurs to a proactive system that uses AI and administrative data to identify and protect at-risk individuals.
He also separately addressed the issue of migrant workers exposed to extreme heat, referencing media reports and noting that protecting migrant workers is not only a human rights issue but also affects South Korea's international image and economy.
He instructed the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to closely monitor the working and resting conditions of migrant workers in rural and outdoor job sites, as well as compliance with heat safety regulations.
President Lee acknowledged that some departments have managed to reduce damage through proactive responses despite worsening weather conditions this year. He urged them not to settle for post-event recovery but to strengthen preemptive inspections and preventive measures against heatwaves.
He reiterated, "All administrative power must be mobilized to minimize damage to the public from heatwaves and droughts," emphasizing the need for each agency to respond with a sense of responsibility that the public can feel.
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. Representatives from regional 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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