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Key Points

South Korea is experiencing a severe heat wave with unprecedented health implications this summer. The national disease control agency reports over 4,000 heat-related illness cases, the highest since 2018. Twenty-six deaths have been attributed to extreme temperatures across the country. Meteorological experts attribute the persistent heat to high-pressure systems trapping hot air over the Korean Peninsula.

Key Points: South Korea Heat Wave Triggers 4,000+ Disease Cases in 2023

  • - 4,048 heat-related illness patients recorded, highest since 2018
  • Temperatures consistently exceeding 33°C causing widespread health concerns
  • Heat wave advisory issued for Seoul and central regions
  • Two high-pressure systems trapping hot, humid air over Korean Peninsula
2 min read

South Korea: Patients with heat-related diseases top 4,000 this summer

South Korea faces critical heat health crisis with record patient numbers and 26 heat-related deaths amid persistent high temperatures

"Heat wave continues to pose significant health risks across the Korean Peninsula - Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency"

Seoul, Aug 25

More than 4,000 patients have been treated for heat-related illnesses this summer, marking the highest number since 2018, the national disease control agency said Monday.

The cumulative number of those patients had reached 4,048 as of Sunday, up 55 from the previous day, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Yonhap News Agency reported.

It is the highest figure since the 4,526 recorded in 2018.

Deaths presumed to have been caused by heat-related diseases stood at 26 this year to date.

South Korea has seen a steady increase in heat-related disease cases amid the persisting heat wave with the highest daily temperature hitting over 33 C.

The KDCA tracks heat-related illness cases between May to September every year.

Earlier on August 15, a heat wave advisory was issued again for Seoul and most of the central region. The heat wave alert took effect on August 15 at 11 am (local time) in Seoul, the central city of Daejeon and surrounding areas, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

For Seoul, the alert was reissued nine days after the KMA lifted the advisory.

A heat wave advisory is issued when the maximum apparent temperature is expected to remain above 33 C for two or more days, while a heat wave warning is issued when the maximum sensible temperature is likely to stay above 35 C.

The heat wave warning was issued for the southwestern South Jeolla Province and the southeastern Gyeongsang provinces, as well as the coastal areas of the southern resort island of Jeju.

The recent heat wave is caused by two high-pressure systems, which brought hot and humid air to the Korean Peninsula and trapped it here, according to the KMA.

Earlier on August 2, health authorities said that 19 people have died from heat-related illnesses in South Korea so far this year as the country endured severe heat waves.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Climate change is hitting hard everywhere. In Mumbai, we've had unprecedented heat waves too. Governments need to invest more in public cooling centers and awareness campaigns about heat strokes.
A
Arjun K
26 deaths is heartbreaking. Elderly and outdoor workers are most vulnerable. We need better workplace regulations during heat waves. Many construction workers here in India suffer similarly during peak summer.
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Sarah B
The heat advisory system seems well-organized with specific temperature thresholds. Maybe Indian cities could learn from this approach. Our heat warnings are often too generic and don't trigger concrete actions.
V
Vikram M
While the numbers are alarming, I appreciate that South Korea is transparent with their data tracking from May to September. Many countries don't systematically track heat-related illnesses. Knowledge is the first step toward prevention.
M
Michael C
The science behind it is fascinating - two high-pressure systems trapping hot air. Global weather patterns are definitely changing. We need more international cooperation on climate adaptation strategies.

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