South Korea Heatwave Declared National Disaster

The president has declared the current extreme heat wave a “national disaster” and has directed all government agencies to mobilise every available resource to address the crisis. In a statement released by the presidency, the leader underscored the severity of the heat event and the urgent need for a coordinated response across the public sector.

The directive calls on the Ministry of Health, emergency services, the national meteorological agency, and local authorities to deploy cooling centres, distribute water and medical supplies, and issue public advisories on heat‑related risks. It also instructs the civil defence and infrastructure ministries to inspect and reinforce power grids, water distribution systems, and public buildings to ensure they can withstand the prolonged high temperatures. The move follows a series of record‑setting heat readings that have already led to increased hospital admissions and a spike in heat‑related mortality.

The government will monitor the effectiveness of the mobilised resources and adjust the response as needed. The declaration signals a heightened level of preparedness and a commitment to mitigating the health and safety impacts of the ongoing heat wave.