President Lee orders enhanced protection for vulnerable during heatwave, calls for drought measures

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has directed the government to bolster protective measures for vulnerable populations, including the elderly living alone and residents of "jjokbang" (tiny rooftop rooms), as the nation grapples with a relentless and record-breaking heatwave.

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We need to be more attentive to vulnerable groups such as the elderly living alone and residents of "jjokbang" villages, and strengthen protective measures by personally checking on those who have difficulty using cooling facilities.

During a meeting on extreme weather response, Lee emphasized the need for a "vigilant" approach, urging the government to operate a "full-scale response system" until the heatwave eases. He called for "measures befitting extreme climate conditions," instructing all ministries and local governments to mobilize all available personnel and resources to minimize heat-related damage.

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Given the high possibility of the heatwave continuing for some time, I hope the government will operate a full-scale response system with an extraordinary sense of preparedness until the heatwave subsides.

The president also specifically ordered a thorough check on the proper functioning of the "work stoppage right," which allows workers to halt operations in hazardous conditions. This directive comes as the country experiences scorching temperatures, with the mercury soaring to 39.2 degrees Celsius in Seoul.

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Please devise measures befitting extreme climate conditions. All ministries and local governments should mobilize all available personnel and resources to do their utmost to minimize heat damage.

Addressing the deepening drought in southern regions, Lee stressed the importance of "proactive response," calling for the active promotion of alternative water sources and the operation of water pumping equipment to ensure a stable water supply, especially with no rain forecast in the immediate future.

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Proactive response is necessary. With no rain forecast for the time being, we must actively promote alternative water supply and operate water pumping equipment to ensure there are no disruptions to a stable water supply.