0 months ago
South Korea heatwave declared national disaster as deaths hit 19
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.
President Lee Jae Myung called the record heatwave a national disaster and ordered officials to protect residents and inspect power systems.
The heatwave has been blamed for 19 deaths, including 13 people aged 80 or above.
Yangsan recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit), the highest temperature in 122 years of weather observations.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first-ever heatwave warning for Seoul, extending it to all of the capital on Tuesday.
Since May 15, 2,025 people have suffered heat-related illnesses, and two Korea Baseball Organization games were cancelled.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, alongside affected residents including elderly and homeless people in Seoul.
- What
- A record heatwave declared a national disaster, blamed for 19 deaths and 2,025 heat-related illnesses.
- Where
- South Korea, especially Yangsan, Seoul, Gyeonggi and Gwangju.
- When
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with Yangsan's record 42.5°C logged the preceding Sunday.
- Why
- Abnormal weather conditions produced record extreme heat, which officials warn may continue for a considerable period.
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







