Heatstroke claims third life in Gyeongnam Province as heatwave intensifies

Gyeongnam Province in South Korea has recorded its third fatality from heat-related illnesses this summer, as an elderly woman died after collapsing from heatstroke. The incident brings the total number of heatstroke deaths in the province to three this season.

The latest victim, an 80-year-old woman from Hadong County, fell ill on July 26 and passed away early on July 27 while receiving hospital treatment. This follows two previous deaths: a 90-year-old woman found in a vinyl greenhouse in Goseong County on July 22, and a 90-year-old man who collapsed while working in a rice paddy in Sacheon City on July 25.

As of July 27, Gyeongnam Province has seen a total of 122 individuals hospitalized for heat-related illnesses. The majority of these cases occurred in workplaces (58) and agricultural fields (16). Individuals in their 30s and 60s were the most affected age groups, each accounting for 24 cases. The extreme heat has also led to the deaths of 12,121 livestock, including 3,291 pigs and 8,830 chickens.

Currently, Gyeongnam Province is under a severe heatwave warning, the highest alert level, in nine of its cities and counties, including Gimhae, Miryang, and Yangsan. Temperatures have reached extreme levels, with Miryang recording 38.5 degrees Celsius and Yangsan and Uiryeong both hitting 38.0 degrees Celsius. Nationwide, eight people have died from heatstroke this summer, with Gyeongnam accounting for three of those deaths.