250 Billion Won in Additional Aid for Drought and Heatwave... Total Disaster Special Grants Reach 60.75 Billion Won This Summer

Ministry Steps In with Emergency Support Amid Prolonged Heatwave
Grants to Be Used for Reservoir Dredging, Cooling Shelters, and More

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on August 10 that it will provide an additional emergency allocation of 25 billion won in special disaster and safety management grants (disaster special grants) to 16 provinces and metropolitan cities to address the ongoing heatwave and drought.

A rice paddy in Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk is dried up due to the persistent drought on the 6th. Yonhap News 2026.8.6

Including this additional grant, a total of 60.75 billion won will be provided this summer to respond to drought and heatwave, adding to the 35.75 billion won previously allocated for drought and heatwave response.

Recently, ongoing heatwaves and insufficient rainfall have led to declining reservoir levels and difficulties in water supply, particularly in the southern regions, resulting in increased drought damage. In addition, the prolonged heatwave continues to raise concerns about heat-related illnesses and other risks to human life. There is an urgent and ongoing need for site-specific measures—such as securing water resources in drought-affected areas and protecting vulnerable populations from the extreme heat.

The disaster special grants will be primarily used for drought mitigation measures, including the development of groundwater wells, river excavation, securing alternative water sources, and dredging reservoirs. The grants will also support measures against the heatwave, such as operating cooling shelters and conducting patrols for heatwave-vulnerable groups. The Ministry will closely monitor local governments to ensure the swift and effective disbursement of the allocated funds.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Ho-Jung Yoon stated, "The central and local governments will work closely together to minimize damage to the public," adding, "We will provide active support to ensure that these disaster special grants are quickly delivered to sites in need, such as securing water resources and protecting vulnerable groups."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.