Heat-related illness patients in late summer up 3-fold over past decade: Data
Seoul, Aug 8
The number of heat-related illness cases reported in late summer nearly tripled in the past 10 years in South Korea, government data showed on Saturday.
An annual average of 215 heat-related patients were reported from "ipchu" to the end of August during the 2011-2015 period, according to an analysis by a research institute under the interior ministry using data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
Ipchu, which falls on Aug. 7 this year, marks the beginning of autumn on the traditional calendar, reports Yonhap news agency.
The figure rose to an annual average of 658 cases in 2016-2020 and to 638 cases in 2021-2025. Deaths linked to heat-related illnesses also increased during the same period, rising from an annual average of 3.3 patients in 2012-2015 to more than four patients over the past decade from 2016 to 2025.
In 2024 alone, 1,299 people suffered from heat-related illnesses and 12 died from ipchu to late-August. Heat waves are expected to continue until late August this year, with daytime highs expected to range from 31-35 C across the country.
On Friday alone, 202 people were treated at emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illnesses, three of whom died, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The government has operated a heat-related illness monitoring system since May 15. Under the system, 3,089 heat-related illness cases have been reported, including 26 deaths.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae Myung vowed on Saturday to review government policies that may place young married couples at a disadvantage in housing loans and welfare benefits.
Lee's remarks came amid concerns that some couples delay or avoid registering their marriage because combining their income and assets could leave them at a disadvantage when applying for loans, housing programs and welfare benefits.
"Young people should never be discouraged from getting married because of government policies," Lee wrote in a post on X. "I have ordered a thorough review of any disadvantages they may face as a result of marriage."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the "ipchu" concept - we have something similar with our seasons. But 1,299 cases in 2024 alone? That's alarming. Hope Korea's monitoring system helps them prepare better. We should learn from this in India too.
The heat wave pattern is changing everywhere. In Bangalore it's never been this hot. The government's initiative to review marriage policies is good but climate action needs more urgency. 12 deaths in a year is way too many. 😔
Hard to believe that in just 10 years the numbers tripled. This is a global wake-up call. Also, the housing loan issue for young couples - that's something many countries struggle with. Smart of President Lee to address it.
As someone who lives in Chennai, I can totally relate. Our summers are getting worse each year. Korea's monitoring system is a good step - India should have something similar in all states. Respectful suggestion: we need more focus on heat action plans, not just data collection.
202 people in emergency rooms in ONE day? That's horrible. And the President's comments about marriage policies show he cares about young people's future. Wish our leaders were this proactive about climate issues too. 🙏
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