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🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

Heatstroke Cases Surge in Gyeongnam, Outpacing Seoul Amidst Extreme Heatwave

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • South Korea's Gyeongnam province has surpassed Seoul in the number of heatstroke patients, despite having one-third of the capital's population.
  • A total of 72 new heatstroke patients were reported nationwide on the previous day, with no additional deaths, bringing the total to 1,781 cases and 13 deaths this year.
  • The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency predicts the highest heatwave alert level will continue until August 4, urging preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.

Extreme heat continues to grip South Korea, with the southern province of Gyeongnam reporting more heatstroke patients than the capital, Seoul, despite its significantly smaller population. On a single day, 72 new cases were recorded nationwide, bringing the total this year to 1,781, including 13 fatalities.

Heatstroke patients are concentrated in the Gyeongnam region, which has a population of about one-third of Seoul.

— HankyorehThe article highlights the disproportionate number of heatstroke patients in Gyeongnam compared to Seoul.

While Seoul previously had a slightly higher number of cases, the situation reversed, highlighting a concentration of heat-related illnesses in Gyeongnam. The province's city of Yangsan recorded a staggering 41.4 degrees Celsius, a record high, which was then surpassed by 41.6 degrees Celsius the following day. Including cases from the neighboring North Gyeongsang province, the Yeongnam region has seen a total of 343 heatstroke patients this year.

To avoid heatstroke, it is good to shower frequently, wear light-colored loose clothing, and block the sun with an umbrella or hat.

— Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency officialThe agency provides advice on preventing heat-related illnesses.

Men constitute a significant majority of patients at 77.7%, with those aged 65 and above making up 31.9%. The most common conditions reported are heat exhaustion (61%), heatstroke (16.5%), heat cramps (12.1%), and heat syncope (9.2%).

It is good to drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty, and alcohol or caffeinated beverages can cause dehydration.

— Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency officialThe agency emphasizes the importance of hydration and warns against dehydrating drinks.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has issued its highest alert level, Level 4, indicating a severe risk of heatstroke across most regions, which is expected to persist until August 4. The agency advises frequent showering, wearing light-colored loose clothing, and using umbrellas or hats to shield from the sun. Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, even without feeling thirsty, is crucial. Consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided as they can lead to dehydration. In case of a heatstroke victim, immediate relocation to a cool place and efforts to lower body temperature are recommended.

If a patient occurs, they should be immediately moved to a cool place and their body temperature lowered.

— Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency officialThe agency outlines immediate actions to take if someone suffers from heatstroke.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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