A massive heatwave is hitting on South Korea, leaving at least 42 dead because of the rising temperature which is breaking last 100 years of record.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Health, Welfare and Disease Control, this is the highest number of deaths since South Korea began officially counting casualties due to heat in 2011. More than 3,400 people have been treated for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, since the end of May.
Since the late July, the country is undergoing an extended heatwave, with at least 15 days of temperatures over 35˚C recorded, the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported.
The government has also said it plans to revise laws to include extreme heat as a form of natural disaster, allowing victims of heat-related deaths or illness to receive compensation.
The heat is also impacting the country’s military where a conventional ammunition depot exploded due to a “chemical reaction due to high-temperature heat”, found in a report. No one was injured in the explosion, but the magazine was near explosive materials.
The unprecedented high temperatures are also affecting neighboring Japan, with dozens of deaths reported as temperatures top 41 degrees Celsius.
“Heat wave has intensified and last longer for the past couple years while causing deaths and heat-related illnesses. The heatwave has become a form of natural disaster, having a direct impact on the lives of citizens,” said Kim Ki-dae, member of the city council.
> Shatabdi Sarker Poushi
Massive Heatwave Causes Record Deaths in South Korea
Will You Support Our Work?
People turns to WhatsOn to understand what's goingOn? We have been empowering through hope & understanding for the last forty years. We’re an independent social enterprise & our journalism is powered by our supporters. Financial contributions from our readers allows us to keep our journalism free for all & to change the world for better. Please support us, with your donation - no matter how small. Your donation makes a real difference, it empowers our activist & academy, and engages wider community groups, & universities - connecting more people. WhatsOn is a change maker, let’s get our future back together!
