As a nationwide heat wave continues, nine heat-related illness patients were reported in Seoul in a single day. The Seoul city government is operating an emergency response system to protect vulnerable groups as heat wave advisories and warnings persist.
According to the Seoul city government on the 13th, based on official statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, nine people suffered heat-related illnesses in Seoul the previous day.
From May 15 to the previous day, a total of 96 heat-related illness patients accumulated in the Seoul area. Among them, two died.
In Seoul, a heat wave advisory was expanded and enforced across the city at 11 a.m. on the 11th, and heat-related special advisories and warnings are still in effect. A tropical night advisory has also been issued.
A heat wave advisory is issued when the maximum heat index of 33 degrees Celsius or higher continues for two days or more, or when severe damage from heat is expected. A tropical night advisory is issued when the minimum nighttime temperature is expected to exceed 26 degrees Celsius for at least one day.
The city, together with district offices, is operating a heat wave situation room with a total of 102 teams and about 510 personnel, responding to the conditions. It is inspecting the safety of and implementing protective measures for vulnerable groups to heat, including people experiencing homelessness, residents of single-room residences, seniors living alone, people with disabilities, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.
In addition, to reduce heat damage for residents, the city is operating 9,851 heat response facilities and infrastructure, including climate companion rest areas, heat wave shelters, emergency shelters, mobile worker rest areas, and heat mitigation facilities.