By Metro Correspondent Jang Yu-jun
SUYANG: Rain fell over the southwest of Haesan on Sunday evening, cooling a blistering heatwave which was responsible for the deaths of 41 people and led to nearly 2,000 hospitalizations over a two day period. This heat wave saw the highest temperature recorded in the Suyang Metropolitan Area since 2002, and the highest temperature nationwide since 1993. While the Homeland Guard and Coast Guard worked furiously to provide relief in high risk areas of Suyang throughout the day, the deadliest period was overnight, when 22 of the fatalities were reported. Additionally, of the 41 fatalities, 35 were reported in Suyang Province.
Many politicians are calling out Suyang’s mayor, Han Ga-yeon, for the mishandling of this crisis. New Bargain floor leader Mireille Kim has called the response “a national embarrassment” and has called on the mayor to resign. Others seeming to echo that sentiment include Prime Minister Sabrina Hwang, Deputy Prime Minister Amelia Ward, and Commonwealth Majority Leader Peter Kang. Han has not yet publicly addressed her conduct, but her office has announced that she will make a public statement on Monday.
Efforts are now underway to help the nation recover from this unexpected disaster. The Homeland Guard will remain in Suyang for several more days to assist the injured, with discussions underway about permanently installing heat relief systems in the city. Furthermore, a nationally televised concert and variety show will be hosted by actress Seo Chae-won tomorrow evening in order to raise funds for the families of the injured and deceased. Legislation on revitalizing the nation’s heat relief infrastructure is also being discussed, but any implementation would likely depend on the cooperation of the Suyang government.
