Ganghwa County Launches Joint Public-Private-Military Operation to Combat Heat Wave with Road Sprinkling

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Shin Eun-seop] Ganghwa County announced on the 29th that it will launch a road sprinkling operation with joint efforts from the private sector, government, and military to alleviate heat island effects caused by the heat wave.

This measure comes in response to recent consecutive heat waves and the occurrence of urban heat island phenomena where paved roads, parking lots, and buildings absorb heat and release it into the surrounding atmosphere, causing extreme hot weather conditions.

In response, the county is conducting road sprinkling operations on major and main roads using five water spraying trucks, and the 2nd Division of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps is deploying two military vehicles to carry out the operation until the heat wave subsides.

Road sprinkling operations cool radiant heat from roads and remove fine dust, while also preventing road damage. In fact, according to the Health and Environment Research Institute, road water cleaning has been reported to reduce temperatures by 6.4°C on roads and 1.5°C in surrounding sidewalks.

Meanwhile, the county is regularly inspecting the quarantine and air conditioning systems of heat wave shelters and operating disaster helper support and visiting health programs for vulnerable populations. In addition, the county has installed 60 parasol-type shade structures at major crossings and public facilities, and is concentrating administrative efforts on preventing heat wave damage by strengthening surveillance activities and public awareness campaigns.

County Head Yu Cheon-ho stated, "Heat-related illnesses caused by heat waves can be minimized by following basic behavioral guidelines in daily life," and added, "People should refrain from outdoor activities such as farming during midday, and should immediately seek help from those nearby if they feel any discomfort."