South Korea Boils: Emergency Declared Amid Extreme Heat Wave in Seoul

Authorities in Seoul declared a state of emergency following an extreme heat wave, after a national record of 42.5°C was measured in Yangsan. At least 16 people have died and more than 2,000 have been treated for heat-related illnesses since May. President Lee Jae-myung called for measures and checks on power systems. Seoul deployed 200 trucks to spray roads and is checking on 63,000 vulnerable residents.

Authorities in Seoul declared a state of emergency on Tuesday amid an extreme heat wave, after the city of Yangsan in the southeast recorded a national record of 42.5°C on Sunday afternoon – the highest temperature measured in 122 years of weather observations. The heat is moving westward and approaching the densely populated capital of over 9 million residents, which is expected to reach 38°C on Tuesday and then three scorching days of 37°C. South Korea has recorded 16 heat-related deaths and more than 2,000 people treated for heat-related illnesses since May, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. At a cabinet meeting held this morning, President Lee Jae-myung called on officials to take necessary measures and check power systems as demand for air conditioners rises. Seoul authorities held an emergency meeting on Monday and launched initiatives to cope with the heat, including a fleet of 200 trucks spraying nearly 2,000 km of roads with water, and nurses conducting checks on up to 63,000 residents considered most vulnerable. Outdoor workers bear the brunt of the oppressive heat, as described by a construction worker in Seoul. The Korea Meteorological Administration attributed the heat wave to the overlap of high-pressure systems over the Korean Peninsula combined with strong, direct sunlight.