Southern South Korea sees heat illness cases double amid extreme heatwave

Southern South Korea is enduring an intense heatwave, with 'major alert' warnings in effect for regions like Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, Busan, and Ulsan. The situation has led to a dramatic surge in heat-related illnesses, with cases in these southern areas more than doubling in the last ten days. From July 22 to July 31, 227 cases were reported in Jeonnam/Gwangju, Gyeongnam, Ulsan, and Busan. This figure represents a 2.05-fold increase compared to the 111 cases recorded in the preceding ten days (July 12-21). Nationally, heat-related illnesses rose by approximately 1.68 times during the same period, indicating a more rapid escalation in the southern regions.

The surge is particularly pronounced in Gyeongnam, where cases increased by 2.41 times, from 34 to 82. In Jeonnam/Gwangju, the number of cases grew by 2.24 times, from 38 to 85. Gyeongnam has seen a consistent rise in daily cases towards the end of July, with numbers climbing from 5 on July 29 to 12 on July 31. The 'major alert' for heatwaves, the highest level of warning, signifies conditions where the highest daily apparent temperature is expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius or the highest daily temperature is expected to exceed 39 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Yangsan in Gyeongnam has been under this alert for nine consecutive days, with temperatures frequently surpassing 40 degrees Celsius.

This extreme heat is attributed to a 'double heat dome' phenomenon, where the North Pacific High and the Tibetan Plateau High are simultaneously covering the Korean Peninsula. While the southern regions are most severely affected, heatwave advisories and warnings are in place across most of the country, necessitating caution for all residents. Heatstroke, a severe form of heat illness, is particularly dangerous, accounting for 95.8% of estimated heat-related deaths between 2011 and 2025. Early symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, but heatstroke can lead to loss of consciousness and seizures, posing a life-threatening risk.

Elderly individuals and outdoor workers are identified as the most vulnerable groups. Of the 1,781 heat-related illness cases recorded between May 15 and July 31, 31.9% involved individuals aged 65 and older. The majority of cases (79.2%) occurred outdoors, with outdoor workplaces being the most common setting (26.7%), followed by fields (14.3%) and roadsides (12.1%). Health authorities strongly advise the public to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and adhere to heatwave safety guidelines.