South Korea is facing an unprecedented heatwave that has so far claimed at least 16 lives and sent more than 2,000 people to medical facilities.
According to a report by the Yonhap News Agency, 2,025 people have received treatment for heat-related illnesses since May 15. Concurrently, the government has declared a health emergency and issued its highest-level heatwave alert across the city of Seoul for the first time.
The highest temperature was recorded in the southeastern city of Yangsan, reaching 42.5°C the highest temperature documented in the country since meteorological record-keeping began in 1904. Temperatures in the cities of Daegu and Goryeong also surpassed 40°C, while exceeding 38°C in Seoul.
Experts point to climate change as a primary driver of the rising frequency and intensity of global heatwaves. At the same time, various countries around the world are grappling with extreme heat, widespread wildfires, and an increase in heat-related fatalities this summer.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
