South Korea: 19 deaths from record-breaking heatwave

South Korea is grappling with a severe heatwave, which has resulted in 19 fatalities from heat-related illnesses since May 15. The country has experienced extreme temperatures, with over 2,021 individuals reporting heat-related ailments between May 15 and August 3.

President Lee Jae-myung has characterized the prolonged heatwave as a national disaster, calling on officials to bolster support for affected citizens. He has also directed authorities to inspect power grids, anticipating a surge in demand for air conditioning as temperatures remain high. "A greater concern is that unusual weather conditions make it highly probable that extreme weather events will continue for a long time," Lee stated, emphasizing the need to redesign the disaster response system.

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A greater concern is that unusual weather conditions make it highly probable that extreme weather events will continue for a long time.

National temperature records have been broken multiple times in the past week. On Sunday, Yangsan, in the southeast near Busan, recorded a scorching 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This marks the highest temperature measured in 122 years of meteorological observation.

Seoul, the capital, is under its highest alert level due to the severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The metropolitan area, home to over 25 million people, is facing significant challenges in managing the impact of these extreme conditions. Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors when possible and stay hydrated, while designating approximately 4,000 public air-conditioned facilities as cooling centers.

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The president of South Korea Lee Jae-myung called today on the authorities to strengthen support for people affected by the prolonged heatwave, calling it a national disaster, as very high temperatures are the cause of the 19 deaths in the country.