101-year-old dies from heatstroke in Gangneung, first heat-related death in province this year

Gangwon Province has recorded its first heat-related death of the year after a 101-year-old woman succumbed to heatstroke in Gangneung. The elderly woman was found collapsed in a field and later died after being transported to a hospital.

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The doctor told me all the risks from the beginning, but he gave me such great confidence that I went into surgery without fear. When I came out of surgery and opened my eyes, I felt like I was reborn into the world. I am so happy.

This incident brings the total number of heat-related illnesses in the province to 43 since May 15. In response, Gangwon Province has activated its early heatwave response system. The province is operating 2,119 cooling centers and 1,274 heat reduction facilities. Welfare checks are being conducted via visits and phone calls for vulnerable groups, including the elderly living alone.

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When we heard she was having brain surgery, of course, we were very scared. We signed the consent form, accepting everything, including the risk of death. We trusted our doctors. Thank God, we got through that ordeal, and we are very pleased now.

Preventative measures are also underway, including inspections of outdoor workplaces and public announcements through village broadcasts and emergency text messages. Heatwave warnings are currently in effect for the coastal cities of Gangneung, Donghae, and Samcheok, with a heatwave advisory issued for Sokcho. Temperatures are expected to remain high, with some areas experiencing tropical nights where the minimum temperature does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius.

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Our patient had a very large tumor, about 8 centimeters, at the head. Operating on lesions of this size carries serious bleeding risks. Therefore, before the surgery, we mapped the brain vessels using the brain angiography method in interventional radiology. Using our advanced angiography devices, we reached only the vessels feeding the tumor without harming healthy tissue and blocked these vessels with special closure devices. Thus, we prepared the tumor for surgery, so to speak.