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South Korea Raises Heat Alerts To The Highest As 23 People Die; Temperature Reaches 38°C

by Shreya Shriyan
South Korea Raises Heat Alerts To The Highest As 23 People Die; Temperature Reaches 38°C

Heat is a prevalent climatic phenomenon in South Korea. During the summer months, the country experiences extreme temperatures that can be challenging. But now, the country has been forced to raise its highest heat alerts for the first time in 4 years. It faces a heatwave so gruesome, that 23 people have been reported to have lost their lives. 

South Korea Raises Its Highest Heat Alerts In 4 Years

On August 2, the Interior and Safety Ministry of South Korea announced that the country raised its heat alert warning to the highest level. This is its highest for the first time in four years. Parts of the country experienced scorching temperatures exceeding 38°C which is 100.4 °F.

Firefighting authorities and local media have reported a scorching heat-related death toll of 23 people across the country. This figure is more than triple the record of 7 fatalities during the same period last year, stated the Hindustan Times report. 

The extreme temperatures have had a severe impact on public safety. On August 1, the Ministry also reported that the official temperature in the city of Yeoju, south of Seoul, reached 38.4°C. At 6 p.m. on the same day, South Korea raised the heat warning level to its highest in the four-tier system, marking the first time since 2019.

The government expects high temperatures to persist in the coming days, accompanied by oppressive humidity, reported Hindustan Times. The apparent temperature is likely to hover around 35°C in most parts of the country.

Also Read: There’s A Heatwave In Spain Causing Severe Drought Throughout The Country; Here What To Expect

What Has The Country Faced So Far?

On August 1, President Yoon Suk Yeol urged officials to intensify measures for preventing further casualties. Particularly among people working outdoors, elderly citizens, and those residing in makeshift houses. As they are left without sufficient air conditioning systems.

State media reported that North Korea is also confronting the unrelenting heatwave, with forecasted highest daily temperatures. Temperatures are expected to hover around 35°C to 37°C by August 3.

In conclusion, heat waves around the world have become more frequent and intense due to rising temperatures. Thanks to climate change, many regions have experienced record-breaking high temperatures.

This has led to severe heat-related impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate resilience to tackle the challenges of more frequent heat waves.

Also Read: As Heatwaves Scorch Europe, Should You Rethink Travelling To Italy, Spain & France?

Cover image courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)