This year, from June to August, summer in South Korea is expected to be hotter than average with more rainfall, prompting the government to prepare comprehensive measures to prevent casualties from disasters such as floods and heat waves.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and other related departments noted that starting from the 15th, a 'flood and heat wave countermeasure period' will be implemented. The government explained that it has prepared a more detailed disaster response plan than in previous years.
This year is particularly forecasted to have unstable summer weather. A Korea Meteorological Administration official said, 'This summer, warm and humid air is expected to flow into South Korea, leading to weather conditions where heat waves and heavy rain coexist,' and noted, 'The likelihood of various complex disasters such as flooding, landslides, and overflow cannot be completely ruled out, both last year and this year.'
To respond to flooding, the government has designated 8,963 areas at risk of flooding and collapse as 'areas of concern for casualties' for close management. To quickly evacuate residents in case of a disaster, a 'village patrol team' composed of village heads, neighborhood leaders, and civil servants familiar with the village geography will be operated. Priority evacuees will be designated among vulnerable groups, pairing them with evacuation assistants on a one-on-one basis.
Additionally, it has been decided to focus on managing three major types of disasters that could lead to numerous casualties, such as landslides, river disasters, and underground vacancies. In particular, to prevent disasters like the 'Osong underpass tragedy,' a four-person management system for underpasses (with responsibilities divided among the Road Management Authority, local administrative officials, self-defense teams led by village heads, and police) will be actively implemented. By pre-releasing water from dams, flood control capacity of 6.81 billion cubic meters will be secured, and about 700 billion won will be invested in flood defense infrastructure.
Measures to prevent damage from heat waves have also been prepared. As in previous years, the progressive electricity rate for dwellings will be relaxed in July and August to reduce cooling cost burdens. The first-rate charge (93.3 won) will only apply to the original usage of 200 kWh; however, it will be expanded to 300 kWh for two months. The second-rate charge (187.9 won) interval will increase from the original 201-400 kWh to 301-450 kWh. Discounts on electricity bills for individuals with disabilities and livelihood recipients will be expanded from the existing 16,000 won per month to 20,000 won during July and August.
The heat wave countermeasure period will begin five days earlier than last year. Vulnerable groups previously categorized into three sectors—farmers, field workers, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals—will now be classified into 15 types across four areas: physical, social, economic, and occupational, to enhance safety management. For elderly individuals requiring care aged 65 and older, the life support workers will check on them at least once daily during heat wave advisories.
The number of heat wave shelters has been expanded from about 59,000 at the end of last year to about 66,000 as of the end of April this year. The types of shelters have also diversified, including private facilities closely integrated with daily life, such as financial institutions and supermarkets. Detailed information about heat wave shelters can be found on the Disaster Safety Portal, the Safety Step app, and maps from Naver and Kakao.