KOR
▲ Farmers plowing over cabbage fields (The photo above is not related to the content of this article.)
As the monsoon season takes a brief break and sweltering heat intensifies, emergency measures are being taken for the management of crops and livestock.
Kim (60), head of the Gangneung Farmers Association, who grows cabbage in Anbandegi, Wangsan-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon Province—the nation's largest highland vegetable cultivation complex—sighed yesterday (July 13), saying, "Farmers are worried among themselves that all the cabbage will be ruined this year."
Anbandegi, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, is an ideal place for summer cabbage farming as temperatures typically remain below 30°C (86°F) even in midsummer. However, it is increasingly facing days with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) due to the direct impact of climate change.
"Once it exceeds 30°C (86°F), pests and soft rot occur, ruining the entire cabbage crop," Kim said. "We have been shipping them smoothly so far, but I am extremely worried that they might be ruined by the heat wave."
Livestock farmers are struggling to minimize the adverse effects on the growth of their animals.
Kwon (52), who raises 100 to 120 Korean cattle (Hanwoo) in Inje, is running fans non-stop, 24 hours a day.
He is focusing all his attention on keeping the cattle cool by installing misting sprays and heat-reflecting panels on the barn roof, and frequently cleaning automatic waterers, known as "water cups," to ensure the cows have access to cool, fresh water.
This is because if the sensible temperature exceeds 38°C (100°F), it can negatively affect nutrition and metabolism, leading to loss of appetite and stunted growth.
"Cattle absorb nutrients through a process where numerous microorganisms in the rumen, their first stomach, ferment grass and feed. If the temperature exceeds 38°C (100°F), their digestive ability drops, leading to livestock damage," Kwon expressed his concern.
He also pointed out that the deterioration of feed quality due to moisture from recent monsoon rains is another challenge.
The scorching heat of around 35°C (95°F) day after day is also posing a major threat to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and outdoor workers.
According to the Gangwon State Fire Headquarters, at 10:26 a.m. today, a 68-year-old resident identified as A collapsed while working in a field in Seo-myeon, Chuncheon, and was transported to a hospital.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, as of 1:00 p.m. today, the daily maximum sensible temperature reached 35.7°C (96°F) in Deungbong, Samcheok; 35.6°C (96°F) in Gujeong, Gangneung; 35.4°C (96°F) in Hajodae, Yangyang; 35.3°C (96°F) in Simgok, Donghae; and 34.7°C (94°F) in Goseong.
Mountainous and inland areas also saw temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F), with Seorak-dong at 34°C (93°F), Seonsan, Gangneung at 33.3°C (92°F), Namsan, Chuncheon at 34°C (93°F), Yeongwol at 33.8°C (93°F), and Wonju at 33.5°C (92°F).
In particular, as sleepless nights continue in many places, including Gangneung, which has experienced tropical nights for three consecutive days, vacationers and citizens are flocking to the beaches even at night to escape the heat.
The Korea Meteorological Administration advised, "There is a possibility of heat-related illnesses, so please take care of your health by drinking plenty of water and refraining from strenuous outdoor activities if possible."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
