0 months ago

South Korea heatwave declared national disaster as deaths hit 19

South Korea heatwave declared national disaster as deaths hit 19
South Korea's Lee Calls Heatwave A National Disaster As Deaths Rise To 19 · deccanchronicle.com

It is extremely hot in South Korea right now.

The heat has been so severe that 19 people have died.

The country's president, Lee Jae Myung, has called the heatwave a national disaster.

A national disaster means the whole country works together to help people stay safe.

In the city of Yangsan, temperatures reached 42.5 degrees Celsius, the hottest ever recorded in 122 years of records.

Seoul, the capital, received its first-ever heatwave warning.

People are told to avoid outdoor activities like farming, sports, and construction work.

Some older people and people without homes are getting help, such as air-conditioned housing and water sprayed on streets.

Even two baseball games were cancelled because it was too hot to play.

Key facts

Death toll
19, including 13 people aged 80 or above
Heat-related illnesses
2,025 since May 15
Record temperature
42.5°C (108.5°F) in Yangsan
Record duration
Highest in 122 years of weather observations
Heatwave warning
First-ever warning for Seoul, extended to all of the capital
Government response
National disaster declaration; power system inspections ordered
Cancelled events
Two Korea Baseball Organization games in Seoul and Gwangju
Date
August 4, 2026

Quotes

President Lee Jae‑Myung

President of South Korea, issuing directives at a cabinet meeting

“"An even greater concern is that abnormal weather conditions make it highly likely that extreme weather will continue for a considerable period."”
deccanchronicle.com telegraphindia.com
“"I feel sorry to see homeless people who are suffering from the heat on the street."”
theprint.in

Cho Sang-yeon

Resident of a jjokbang village in western Seoul

“I have never felt heat like this so far here.”
deccanchronicle.com

Sources

Related news