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Busan Metropolitan City Takes Emergency Action Amid Record-Breaking Heat Wave, Allocating KRW 100 Million from the Disaster Relief Fund to Protect Vulnerable Residents

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will urgently allocate KRW 100 million from the Disaster Relief Fund to protect the health and safety of vulnerable residents as record-breaking heat continues across Busan, including the issuance of the city’s first severe heat wave warning and the highest July temperature recorded since observations began.

This measure is an emergency initiative being implemented in addition to the city’s existing heat wave response measures. It is intended to prevent heat-related illnesses among vulnerable residents and help them stay safe during the summer by promptly providing cooling expenses and heat wave prevention supplies to social welfare facilities used by older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness, who are among those most vulnerable to extreme heat.

The city is currently implementing protective measures for vulnerable residents, including checking on older adults living alone, conducting on-site patrols for people experiencing homelessness, managing the safety of people with disabilities, and inspecting cooling equipment at social welfare facilities. The emergency allocation from the Disaster Relief Fund will further strengthen support in the field.

When a heat wave advisory or warning is in effect, the city intensifies safety checks by telephone and in-person visits, as well as health monitoring, through care support workers, personal assistants for people with disabilities, and outreach teams for people experiencing homelessness. The city also provides guidance on heat wave safety measures and ensures prompt reporting and action in emergencies.

The additional Disaster Relief Fund support will further reinforce the city’s protection system against prolonged extreme heat by extending the operating hours of social welfare facilities serving as heat shelters and providing heat wave response supplies.

The funds will be distributed promptly through the Community Chest of Korea in Busan. They will be used to cover cooling expenses required to extend operating hours at 225 senior centers; cooling expenses and heat wave prevention supplies for users of comprehensive social welfare centers; cooling expenses and heat-related illness prevention supplies for comprehensive support centers for people experiencing homelessness; and cooling supplies for welfare centers for people with disabilities.

The supplies will include fans, cooling products, bottled water, and other items needed to respond to extreme heat. They will be delivered promptly so that vulnerable residents can remain safe throughout the summer.

The city will continue to monitor protection measures for vulnerable residents while heat wave advisories and warnings remain in effect. It will also closely assess support needs in the field and consider additional protective measures where necessary.

In addition, the city will maintain close cooperation with district and county offices, social welfare facilities, and other relevant organizations to ensure that facilities and individuals in need receive timely support.

Mayor Chun Jae-soo said, “The current heat wave is not merely hot weather but a disaster that threatens the lives and safety of our residents. Older adults, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable groups are particularly susceptible to extreme heat. We will therefore immediately provide funding and support wherever needed without hesitation.”

He added, “With a firm commitment not to overlook even the smallest risk in the field, we will concentrate our administrative resources on the heat wave response so that every resident can stay safe throughout the summer.”