South Korea’s prolonged heatwave has killed 16 people and caused more than 2,000 heat-related illnesses so far this year, local media reported on Tuesday, as authorities warned of record-breaking temperatures.
Officials said two people died on Sunday and another on Monday as extreme heat continued across the country.
President Lee Jae-myung urged authorities to prioritise protecting lives, expand support for vulnerable groups and ensure safe working conditions for indoor and outdoor workers.
He also called for faster drought relief measures and a redesign of South Korea’s disaster response system to better cope with increasingly frequent extreme weather.
Seoul issues highest heat alert
Seoul issued its first-ever “severe heatwave warning” on Tuesday after temperatures were forecast to reach 38°C.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the alert applies to 11 districts, including Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo and Gwanak.
