SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Tuesday called for preemptive measures to minimize damage from heat waves gripping the country, citing forecasts that some regions could see temperatures rise to nearly 40 C.

Han said during a Cabinet meeting that this week could be the culmination of the searing heat and the government should take steps to protect those living in heavily cramped tiny housing units, known as "jjokbang" in Korean, construction workers and other vulnerable people.

"We should check on jjokbang villages, construction sites and other places vulnerable to heat waves in a way that could be seen as excessive," Han said. "In particular, as temperatures in some regions are forecast to rise close to 40 C, this week is expected to be an important culmination."

On Monday, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued the highest heat wave warning for 17 areas in southern South Korea.

The serious heat wave warning is the highest warning level established last June, 18 years after the heat wave advisory system was introduced in 2008. It is issued when the highest perceived temperature reaches 38 C or higher, or the maximum daily temperature reaches 39 C or higher, levels considered life-threatening.

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