Jeonnam Province, Comprehensive Support for Heatwave Vulnerable Groups

【Financial News Muan=Hwang Taejong Reporter】Jeonnam Province announced on the 12th that with the early onset of hot weather, they have prepared a detailed response system for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and basic livelihood recipients, prioritizing the prevention of human casualties and focusing on on-site support.
 According to Jeonnam Province, with heatwave warnings issued in 21 cities and counties, 79 cases of heat-related illnesses have occurred as of the 9th.
 In response, daily welfare checks are being conducted for approximately 53,000 elderly people in need of care through 3,335 life support workers, which were previously conducted 2-3 times a week.
 Additionally, full support for cooling costs of 100,000 won is being urgently provided to all 9,500 senior centers in the Jeonnam area with provincial funds until the end of July, while also promoting activities to avoid going out or farming during midday hours.
 For severely disabled individuals with mobility difficulties, 5,860 disability activity support workers are checking their health status daily, and working hours for participants in elderly and disabled job programs vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are being flexibly adjusted according to the heatwave situation.
 Furthermore, for 2,026 health-vulnerable individuals such as basic livelihood recipients and those just above the poverty line, 229 dedicated personnel from health centers are checking their health and safety daily.
 In addition, patrol teams are being operated in cities and counties to conduct daily street patrols, provide bottled water, and guide homeless people affected by the heatwave to cooling shelters. For approximately 320 social welfare facilities, 'Heatwave Disaster Safety Guide' card news is being sent to strengthen heatwave damage prevention publicity.
 Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare of Jeonnam Province, said, "As this summer's heatwave is forecasted to be stronger and last longer than usual, we will do our best to protect the lives and health of residents through the protection of vulnerable groups and rapid response."

hwangtae@fnnews.com Hwang Taejong Reporter