▲ Workers take a break under a parasol at a construction site in Dongmyeong-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon Province, where a heat wave continued nationwide on the 30th.
Health authorities have issued warnings as the number of estimated heat-related deaths this summer has reached 75 percent of last year's total, with the heat wave expected to persist for the time being.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), a total of 1,638 heat-related patients and 12 deaths have been reported through the heat-related illness surveillance system from May 15 to the 29th.
The first heat-related death this year occurred on the very first day the surveillance system began operating, marking the earliest fatality on record.
Additionally, half of the total deaths, or 6 people, were concentrated over the recent four-day period up to the 29th.
Although the total number of patients is lower than the 2,779 cases—including 16 deaths—recorded during the same period last year, the death toll remains comparable.
This suggests that there have been a significantly higher number of critical heat-related patients this summer.
According to a Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) briefing held yesterday (the 30th), the dual pressure systems of the North Pacific high and the Tibetan high continue to cover the country with no changes expected for the time being, meaning the intensity of the heat wave is unlikely to break anytime soon.
With no changes in the pressure systems, hot and humid air is flowing in from the south while clear skies allow strong sunlight to beat down, leading to continuously extreme weather.
In its latest mid-term forecast, the KMA projected that nationwide skies will be clear from August 2 to 9, with morning temperatures similar to or slightly higher than average, and daytime temperatures exceeding seasonal norms.
Consequently, the heat-related illness risk prediction information provided by the KDCA's integrated health hazard information system will remain at the highest level for the time being.
As of midnight early yesterday, the nationwide heat-related illness risk level stands at Level 4, the highest, through August 2.
Level 4 indicates a condition where "significant damage is expected due to the occurrence of heat-related illnesses in most regions."
The Yeongnam region is particularly at risk, with North Gyeongsang Province remaining at Level 4 continuously from July 30 to August 2, while South Gyeongsang Province, Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan will reach Level 4 for three days starting on the 31st.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, people should first stay cool by taking frequent showers and wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, while also blocking sunlight with a parasol or hat.
It is recommended to drink water regularly and frequently even without feeling thirsty, while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages that cause dehydration and disrupt deep sleep.
Since a significant portion of this year's heat-related patients (80.1%) have occurred outdoors, including at workplaces (26.9%), outdoor workers must take regular breaks of 10 to 15 minutes or more every hour when heat wave warnings are issued.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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