Seoul Records Summer-High 23 Heat-Related Illnesses Yesterday... First Severe Heatwave Alert Issued

Amid consecutive days of extreme heatwaves, Seoul has recorded its highest number of heat-related illnesses for this summer.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced today (August 4) that 23 heat-related illness patients were reported in Seoul the previous day.

This surpasses the previous summer high of 18 cases recorded the day before.

The cumulative number of heat-related illnesses since May 15 stands at 209, including 2 deaths.

The Korea Meteorological Administration maintained heatwave warnings across all of Seoul before issuing a severe heatwave alert effective as of 11 a.m. today.

This marks the first time a severe heatwave alert has been issued for Seoul since the implementation of the system on June 1.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is operating a heatwave response headquarters consisting of 561 personnel across 104 teams, and has upgraded its heatwave crisis alert level from "Caution" to "Warning."

In addition, support and protection activities are underway for a total of 71,485 vulnerable citizens, including 39,924 elderly people living alone, 22,620 outdoor workers, 6,413 individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses, 2,107 the homeless, and 421 residents of gowon-dong (jjokbang) shantytowns.

Furthermore, a total of 9,849 facilities are currently in operation, including climate companion shelters, heat relief shelters, emergency evacuation centers, mobile worker shelters, and heatwave reduction facilities.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government forecasted sweltering heat to continue tonight under a tropical night advisory, urging citizens to hydrate before sleep.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.