Seoul: South Korea has stepped up its emergency response as an intense heatwave continues to sweep across the country, bringing record breaking temperatures, rising deaths and growing concerns over public health, agriculture and power supplies. President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an all out national response, calling on government agencies and local authorities to use every available resource to protect people from the dangerous weather.
The President's directive comes as South Korea experiences one of its most severe heatwaves in recent history. Authorities have warned that the extreme temperatures are expected to continue for several more days, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses, especially among older people, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions.
According to government officials, at least 19 people have died from heat related causes since the hot weather intensified. Most of the victims were elderly citizens over the age of 80, highlighting the growing danger that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures poses to vulnerable groups. Hospitals across the country have also reported more than 2,000 cases of heat related illnesses since the middle of May, with emergency rooms continuing to receive new patients every day.
The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast temperatures of around 39 degrees Celsius in Seoul, placing the capital close to its all time record of 39.6 degrees Celsius set in 2018. Even more alarming, the southeastern city of Yangsan recently recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius, the highest officially measured in South Korea since modern weather records began more than 120 years ago.
Adding to the concern are unusually hot nights that offer little relief from the daytime heat. Overnight temperatures in Seoul have remained above 30 degrees Celsius, creating what meteorologists describe as tropical nights. These conditions prevent the human body from cooling down properly and increase the risk of heat exhaustion and other medical emergencies.
President Lee has instructed ministries, local governments and emergency agencies to work together to reduce the impact of the heatwave. Cooling shelters have been expanded across the country, while local officials are conducting welfare checks on elderly residents who live alone. Emergency teams have also been deployed to monitor vulnerable communities and provide assistance where needed.
Several cities have introduced additional measures, including spraying water on roads to reduce surface temperatures and strengthening safety rules for outdoor workers. Employers have been advised to allow frequent rest breaks and provide adequate drinking water for workers exposed to direct sunlight.
The heatwave is also putting pressure on South Korea's electricity network. With millions of people relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool, electricity demand has reached seasonal highs. Power authorities are closely monitoring the national grid to ensure that supplies remain stable during periods of peak demand.
Daily life has also been disrupted by the extreme weather. Public parks, streams and cooling centres have become popular gathering places as residents look for relief from the heat. Sporting events have also been affected. The Korea Baseball Organization canceled several professional baseball games after reports that a number of spectators became ill due to the high temperatures.
The agricultural sector is facing increasing challenges as well. Thousands of farm animals and fish have died because of the prolonged heat, while farmers are reporting damage to crops and growing concerns over reduced agricultural production if the hot weather continues.
Meteorologists say the current heatwave has been caused by a combination of persistent high pressure systems trapping hot air over the Korean Peninsula. Weather experts have also pointed to the influence of Typhoon Dolphin, which has remained offshore but strengthened easterly winds that create a foehn effect. This weather pattern pushes hotter and drier air into western parts of the country, including Seoul, making temperatures even higher.
Climate scientists say events like this are becoming more common as global temperatures continue to rise. They warn that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves, heavy rainfall and severe storms.
The extreme heat is not limited to South Korea. Neighboring Japan is also experiencing unusually high temperatures, with thousands of people requiring hospital treatment for heatstroke in recent weeks. North Korea has likewise issued public health warnings, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and take precautions against heat related illnesses.
As South Korea continues to battle the record breaking heat, authorities remain focused on protecting lives and minimizing the impact of what has become one of the country's most serious weather emergencies in recent years. With forecasts indicating that the intense temperatures are likely to persist, officials are urging residents to remain cautious, stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day and look out for elderly relatives and neighbors who may need assistance.