[Anchor]
How hard did you have to endure today, July 27, amidst the sweltering heat covering the entire country? Daytime highs in the southern regions approached 40°C (104°F). The government has raised the heatwave crisis alert to its highest level, "Serious."
First, let's turn to reporter Yun Nara.
[Reporter]
At a traditional market in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, where daytime temperatures soared to 38.1°C (101°F).
Even sitting still brings a flood of sweat, soaking clothes in no time.
[Yoo Young-ja / Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province: Sweat just pours out even when working in the kitchen. It feels like this year is truly much hotter than ever on days like this.]
This steam-room-like scorching heat is fatal for farmers who find it hard to put down their work.
Heat-related deaths are continuing, including a recent incident in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, where a man in his 90s was found collapsed and dead in a rice paddy.
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Daytime highs approached 40°C (104°F) in parts of the southern regions today, with Daegu recording 39.2°C (103°F), Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province 39.1°C (102°F), and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province 38.1°C (101°F).
Heavy heatwave warnings have been issued for a total of 14 regions nationwide, centered around Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, and South Gyeongsang Province.
The heavy heatwave warning is the highest-level alert newly established 18 years after the introduction of the heatwave advisory system in 2008. It is issued when the daily highest perceived temperature of 38°C (100°F) or higher, or the highest temperature of 39°C (102°F) or higher, is expected to continue for more than a day.
Due to the current heatwave, a total of 8 deaths have been recorded nationwide, including 1,399 heat illness patients reported up to yesterday and 2 deaths reported yesterday alone.
As heatwave damage grows, the government has raised the heat disaster crisis alert to the highest "Serious" level and activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung stated that they will make every effort to prevent casualties from the heatwave, urging citizens to refrain from outdoor activities during daytime hours and to consume plenty of water and rest.
(Video by Park Myung-shin from KBC, Jung Chang-wook from KNN, Kwon Man-taek from JTV | Video Editing by Park Ji-in)
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