South Korea President Orders Full Response as Heatwave Peaks

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to order an "all-out response" to protect citizens. Seoul is bracing for temperatures to hit 39 degrees Celsius (102 F) on Thursday, a level of extreme weather described by the president as "on a scale we have never experienced."

President Lee stressed the urgency of the situation, directing ministries and local governments to mobilize all available personnel and resources. His directives focus on safeguarding vulnerable residents, ensuring stricter enforcement of rest breaks for outdoor workers during the hottest hours, and prioritizing the protection of lives and overall safety.

The forecast temperature for Seoul approaches the city's all-time record of 39.6 C, set in August 2018 during a previous historic heatwave. The current spell of extreme weather has already been blamed for more than 20 deaths nationwide. Many residents are seeking refuge from the stifling heat in air-conditioned spaces like department stores or public streams.

Meteorologists suggest that Typhoon Dolphin, while not directly threatening the country, may be contributing to the scorching conditions. The typhoon's influence on easterly winds is believed to intensify the heat in western regions as the air descends over the Korean Peninsula's mountainous terrain. The Korea Baseball Organization has canceled all games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday due to the dangerous heat, with reports of spectators fainting at recent matches.

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Extreme heat on a scale we have never experienced is continuing day after day. Heatwave conditions once seen only in foreign news reports have now become our reality.