South Korea’s Lee calls heatwave a national disaster as deaths rise to 19
They publishedSouth Korea’s Lee calls heatwave national disaster, deaths rise to 19
First reportThe Guardian · 4 Aug, 02:33Z
Latest reportSouth China Morning Post · 4 Aug, 10:24Z
Span8 hours · two reports
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Why it matters
What
President Lee Jae Myung called South Korea’s record heatwave a national disaster as deaths reached 19 and heat illnesses totaled 2,025.
Why
Yangsan reached 42.5°C, the highest temperature in 122 years of records, while 13 of the 19 victims were at least 80.
Watch
Authorities are expanding warnings, advising less outdoor activity, offering temporary housing, and considering stronger support and a redesigned disaster system.
Where the coverage comes from
Perspective mix: 1 center-left · 1 center.
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How it unfolded — every article
Summary
- Yangsan hit a national record of 42.5C, highest in 122 years of observations.
- Seoul is forecast to reach 38C on Tuesday, with three days of 37C heat ahead.
- Korea reports 16 heat-related deaths and over 2,000 illnesses since May.
- President Lee Jae Myung orders measures and power system inspections at cabinet meeting.
- Efforts include 200 water-spraying trucks and drones with safety messages in North Gyeongsang.
Summary
- President Lee Jae Myung urged stronger support and disaster-system redesign amid a record heatwave.
- Temperature in Yangsan reached 42.5°C, the highest in 122 years of records.
- First-ever heatwave warning issued for Seoul and Gyeonggi, expanding to all of Seoul.
- Deaths rise to 19, with 13 victims aged 80 or above, and 2,025 heat illnesses since May 15.
- Public advisories urged limiting outdoor activity; some residents relocated to air-conditioned temporary housing.