Heatwave crisis alert downgraded to 'Alert,' Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters emergency duty lifted after 40 days

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety lowered the heatwave disaster crisis alert from “serious” to “caution” at 10 p.m. on the 4th and lifted Level 1 emergency duty for the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. With this measure, the emergency duty of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, which had been in operation since July 27 to respond to the heatwave, ended after 40 days. Previously, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety had raised the crisis alert to “serious” in response to the prolonged nationwide heatwave and then elevated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to Level 2, strengthening the wholeofgovernment response. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that although emergency duty has been lifted, daytime temperatures may remain at or slightly above average for the time being, and that it will continue its response to prevent any additional damage.