Gyeongbuk Rice Farmers Take Action to Protect Residents from Heatwaves

【Financial News Andong=Kim Jang-wook Reporter】 Gyeongbuk-do is taking the lead in protecting rice farmers from heatwaves.
Gyeongbuk-do announced that on the 14th, at the Chilgok Palgongsan Pyeongsan Academy Training Center, they held a launching ceremony for the 'Resident Life Protectors' against heatwaves, attended by over 150 executives and members of the Gyeongbuk Rice Farmers Association, and will begin full-scale activities.
'Resident Life Protectors' will patrol villages during vulnerable hours (12-5 PM) to encourage restraint in agricultural work and guide farmers working in the fields to take sufficient breaks and work in pairs.
Additionally, upon discovering individuals with heat-related illnesses, they will provide cold water, move them to shade, and perform emergency measures and quick 119 reporting to minimize casualties.
Other activities planned include visiting vulnerable farms such as those of elderly farmers, distributing leaflets on summer heatwave and heat illness prevention, and promoting joint monitoring with village patrols to prepare for summer heatwaves in the community.
Kim Ju-ryeong, Director of Agricultural and Livestock Distribution, said, "This year, unprecedented heatwaves are greatly threatening the lives and safety of farmers," and emphasized, "Through the rice farmers' resident life protector activities, we expect to secure safety in agricultural sites and will prepare thoroughly to prevent heatwave damage to farmers."
Meanwhile, due to the heatwave that started earlier than usual this year, the number of people with heat-related illnesses in Gyeongbuk recently reached 151, which is 2.7 times the same period last year (57 people).
During this period, there were also two deaths. In particular, there is concern about additional damage to farmers, who are mostly elderly and work outdoors in fields.
Accordingly, until the end of the heatwave countermeasure period on September 30, the Gyeongbuk Rice Farmers Association, with 10,058 members closely linked to agricultural sites, will be organized and operated as 'Resident Life Protectors' against heatwaves to minimize the damage to farmers caused by heatwaves.

gimju@fnnews.com Kim Jang-wook Reporter