Korean Red Cross Rallies to Protect Vulnerable from Extreme Heat
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Korean Red Cross is mobilizing resources to protect vulnerable populations from record-breaking heatwaves.
- Efforts include distributing water and heat-prevention supplies in urban areas and visiting elderly and disabled individuals in rural regions.
- The organization warns that prolonged heatwaves due to climate change pose a serious threat to life.
Amidst relentless heatwaves, the Korean Red Cross has launched a comprehensive effort to safeguard vulnerable groups, including the elderly living alone, individuals with disabilities, and residents of cramped "jjokbang" housing. Fifteen regional chapters across the country are actively involved in these protective measures.
In urban centers like Seoul, where heatwave warnings are in effect, the Red Cross is distributing essential supplies such as bottled water and heat-prevention kits to residents in impoverished areas. Simultaneously, in non-urban regions, volunteers are conducting home visits to check on elderly individuals living alone or those with mobility issues, ensuring they can safely endure the extreme temperatures.
Park Jong-sool, the organization's secretary-general, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "Prolonged heatwaves caused by climate change can become a serious disaster that threatens the lives of our neighbors." This initiative underscores the Red Cross's commitment to providing critical support during climate-related emergencies.
Prolonged heatwaves caused by climate change can become a serious disaster that threatens the lives of our neighbors.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.