Heatwave Alert Upgraded to Highest Level; Central Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters Activated

[Anchor]

It was scorching hot today (July 27). Daytime highs in the southern regions approached 40°C (104°F). In response, the government has upgraded the heatwave crisis alert to its highest level, "Serious."

Reporter Yun Nara has the details.

[Reporter]

At a traditional market in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, where midday temperatures soared to 38.1°C (101°F).

Sweat pours down even while sitting still, and clothes quickly become soaked.

[Yoo Young-ja / Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province: Sweat just streams down even when working in the kitchen. It feels like it is truly, overwhelmingly hot this year.]

This sauna-like sweltering heat is particularly brutal for farmers who cannot easily put down their work.

Heat-related fatalities continue to mount, including a recent case in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, where a man in his 90s was found dead after collapsing in a rice paddy.

Daytime highs in southern regions approached 40°C (104°F), with Daegu hitting 39.2°C (103°F), Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province recording 39.1°C (102°F), and Gwangyang in South Jeolla Province reaching 38.1°C (101°F).

Severe heatwave warnings have been issued for a total of 14 regions nationwide, centered around Gwangyang, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, and South Gyeongsang Province.

The severe heatwave warning is the highest alert level, newly established 18 years after the introduction of the heatwave advisory system in 2008. It is issued when the highest daily apparent temperature is expected to reach 38°C (100°F) or higher, or when the highest temperature is expected to reach 39°C (102°F) or higher for more than a day.

It is estimated that the ongoing heatwave has caused 1,399 heat-related illnesses and 8 deaths nationwide.

As heatwave damages escalate, the government has raised the heatwave disaster crisis alert to the highest "Serious" level and activated the Central Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters.

Interior and Safety Minister Yoon Ho-jung stated that all-out efforts will be made to prevent casualties from the heatwave, while urging citizens to refrain from outdoor activities during midday hours and to drink plenty of water and rest.

(Photo courtesy of 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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