South Korea Reels Under Severe Heatwave; Over 2,400 Ill, Dozens Feared Dead

South Korea is grappling with a severe heatwave, with official figures showing a staggering 2,441 cases of heat-related illnesses and 21 suspected fatalities recorded from May 15 to August 4. The extreme temperatures are placing a significant burden on the population, especially vulnerable groups.

Elderly citizens are particularly at risk. In Seoul's Dongdaemun Market, an elderly vendor was seen fanning herself without even a fan, lamenting the oppressive heat. The World Health Organization's recommendation to use fans only when temperatures remain below 40 degrees Celsius offers little comfort to those without any cooling devices, raising concerns about their well-being.

The heatwave's impact extends beyond public health. Professional baseball games scheduled for August 5-6 were canceled due to the extreme heat, a decision made by the KBO's emergency executive committee. Spectators at a recent SSG-LG game also experienced distress, with some collapsing in the ninth inning.

While the article focuses on the immediate crisis of the heatwave, it also includes unrelated snippets of political news, such as discussions on tax reforms and statements from political figures, creating a somewhat disjointed narrative. The primary focus, however, remains on the urgent need for public health measures and support for those most affected by the relentless heat.

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I'm so hot I could die.