A record-breaking heat wave has struck the Yeongnam region, causing the number of heat-related illnesses in Gyeongnam to surpass that of Seoul for the first time.
Yangsan, Gyeongnam, recorded a high of 41.6 degrees Celsius (106.9 degrees Fahrenheit) after breaking temperature records for two consecutive days. The Korea Disease Control Agency (KDCA) announced that the risk of heat-related illnesses will remain at the highest level, 'Level 4,' until August 4.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the KDCA reported that 72 heat-related patients were recorded in over 500 emergency rooms nationwide on the previous day. No additional fatalities were reported, with a total of 1,781 heat-related illnesses and 13 deaths recorded from May 15 to July 31 this year.
The impact of the heat wave is particularly concentrated in Gyeongnam. Until July 30, Seoul had a higher cumulative number of patients than Gyeongnam, but the rankings flipped in just one day. Currently, Gyeongnam has 161 cumulative patients (3 deaths), surpassing Seoul's 158 patients (2 deaths).
Considering that Gyeongnam's population is approximately 3.19 million, about one-third of Seoul's 9.29 million, the scale of the impact relative to the population is assessed to be even more severe.
The record heat continues, with Yangsan reaching 41.4 degrees Celsius on July 31, breaking the previous record, and then climbing to 41.6 degrees Celsius on August 1, setting a new high.
By region, Gyeonggi Province has the highest number of cumulative patients at 372, followed by North Gyeongsang with 182, South Jeolla and Gwangju with 163, Gyeongnam with 161, and Seoul with 158. The total number of patients in the Gyeongsang region, combining North and South Gyeongsang, reaches 343.
Among the patients, 77.7% are male, and 31.9% are aged 65 and older. The most common symptom is heat exhaustion, accounting for 61.0%, followed by heat stroke (16.5%), heat cramps (12.1%), and heat syncope (9.2%).
The KDCA predicts that the highest risk level (Level 4), indicating 'significant damage expected,' will remain in effect for most regions until August 4 based on heat-related illness prediction information.
The agency advises people to shower frequently, wear light and loose clothing, seek shade with umbrellas or hats, and drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty during the heat wave. It also recommends avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages that can lead to dehydration, and if symptoms of heat-related illness occur, individuals should move to a cool place to lower their body temperature and seek medical treatment if necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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