Daegu heatwave shelter accessibility concerns

Disability rights groups in Daegu have called for urgent municipal action to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat. Activists highlighted that the city’s heat-wave days significantly exceed the national average and noted that many designated cooling shelters are inaccessible to wheelchair users due to physical barriers like steep ramps. They requested a city-wide survey of facilities, the creation of barrier-free environments, and specialized disaster alerts for those with visual, hearing, or developmental disabilities.

Subsequent scrutiny from the Daegu City Council has identified broader systemic issues with the city’s 1,196 designated shelters. Reports indicate that over 80% of these facilities close by 6:00 PM, providing little relief for outdoor workers, and more than 60% are located in member-only sites such as senior centers, restricting general public access. Concerns also persist regarding mobility access and a reduction in the number of mobile heatwave shelter buses. In response to these criticisms, city officials have stated they will review the issues and develop improvement measures.