South Korea elevates disaster response to Level 2 amid 'extreme heatwave'

South Korea has raised its central disaster response to Level 2, the second-highest tier, as extreme heatwaves grip the nation. This activation, the second since August 2023, signifies a serious and widespread heat emergency.

The decision to activate Level 2 is based on criteria including sustained high temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in over 60% of the country, or temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in 40-60% of regions for three consecutive days.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to conduct weekly or daily on-site inspections, led by mid-level officials from various ministries and local governments. Director-level officials will be dispatched to the Seoul metropolitan and southern regions, with situation managers assigned nationwide to monitor response efforts and identify support needs.

Financial aid is also being provided, with 170 million won (approximately $125,000 USD) allocated for purchasing relief supplies like fans and cooling mats in areas under severe heat warnings. Additionally, 5.75 billion won (approximately $4.2 million USD) in special disaster relief funds will be urgently disbursed to regions like Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, which are facing water supply challenges due to prolonged drought.

Interior Minister Yoon Ho-joong visited Miryang, a city under a severe heat warning, to inspect heatwave shelters, water safety measures, and drought response plans. He pledged to "thoroughly manage heatwave response through the operation of Level 2, and do our best to minimize damage to the public by promptly providing necessary support on the ground."