SEOUL, July 31 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook asked officials Friday to be on high alert for the heat wave gripping the country, saying each agency should do everything it can to minimize damage.

"A heat wave advisory is in place for most regions of the country. We have to remain on alert as there is a possibility of the serious heat wave warning expanding over the weekend," Han said during a meeting convened to review measures to cope with the searing heat.

The interior, health and labor ministries must ensure the protection of vulnerable groups, such as those living in heavily cramped tiny housing units, known as "jjokbang" in Korean, the homeless, elderly people living alone, construction workers and delivery riders, Han said.

She also asked the agriculture and maritime ministries to make sure that necessary measures are properly implemented to prevent damage to farm and fisheries products, while calling on the climate ministry to operate dams and reservoirs appropriately to prevent localized water shortages.

"We have to maintain an emergency readiness posture for the sake of the people's safety," Han said. "All of us tend to be on alert in the event of heavy rains, but we seem to be letting our guards down when it comes to heat waves. We need to stay more vigilant, refrain from outdoor activities and stay well-hydrated."

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