The first heat-related death of the year has been reported in the Gangwon region.

According to Gangwon Province and other authorities, a report was received yesterday afternoon that a 101-year-old woman, identified as A, was found lying face down in a field in Gangneung.

It was determined that A passed away while being transported to a nearby hospital.

Authorities believe that A died due to a heat-related illness and are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident.

The provincial government has recorded A as the first heat-related fatality in the province this year.

From May 15 to today, a total of 43 people have been reported to suffer from heat-related illnesses in Gangwon Province.