South Korea heatwave kills 16 as Lee urges stronger support
President Lee Jae Myung called for urgent measures as a record heatwave claims 16 lives. Temperatures hit 42.5°C in Yangsan, the highest in over a century.
A deadly heatwave gripping South Korea has claimed at least 16 lives, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to demand stronger government support and a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lee urged officials to take necessary steps to protect daily life as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels.
Record-breaking temperatures
The Korea Meteorological Administration reported that Yangsan, a southeastern inland city, recorded a temperature of 42.5°C on Sunday — the highest reading since weather observations began 122 years ago. The scorching conditions have led to the first-ever heatwave warning for parts of Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi Province on Monday, which was extended to the entire capital on Tuesday.
The extreme heat has strained infrastructure, with power demand surging as residents rely heavily on air conditioning. Lee specifically called on officials to inspect power systems to prevent outages and ensure that vulnerable populations, including the elderly and low-income households, have access to cooling resources.
A new normal for extreme weather
“We need to make efforts for a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system, since this extreme weather is becoming normal,” Lee said during the meeting. His remarks reflect growing concern that heatwaves, once considered rare, are now a recurring threat due to climate change.
The health impact has been severe, with heat-related illnesses and deaths mounting. While the exact demographics of the victims were not detailed, officials have warned that the elderly and outdoor workers are particularly at risk.
Government response and public precautions
Authorities have set up mist-spraying zones and cooling centers in urban areas to help residents cope with the oppressive temperatures. On the streets of Seoul, pedestrians were seen seeking relief from spray zones as the heatwave continued.
The government is also advising people to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, stay hydrated, and check on neighbors who may be isolated. Emergency services have been placed on high alert to respond to heat-related emergencies.
Looking ahead
As the heatwave shows no immediate sign of abating, the administration is preparing for the possibility of more extreme weather events. Lee’s call for a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system suggests that future responses will need to be more comprehensive, integrating climate adaptation strategies into long-term planning.
Experts say the record temperatures in South Korea align with global trends of intensifying heatwaves. The government is expected to roll out additional relief measures in the coming days, including financial support for affected families and enhanced monitoring of vulnerable communities.
The situation serves as a stark reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality. South Korea’s response to this crisis may offer a template for other nations grappling with the growing frequency of extreme weather.
