Cases of heat-related illnesses hit record for 4th straight day in Seoul with 49 on Wednesday
Since the city government began tracking such data on May 15, Seoul has recorded 300 cumulative cases, including two deaths.
People cool off at the Yeouido Hangang Park swimming pool in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on Aug. 6 as nighttime temperatures remain above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), extending a streak of tropical nights.
NEWS1
The number of heat-related illness cases in Seoul hit a new daily high for the fourth straight day, with nearly 50 reported, according to government data on Thursday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency counted 18 on Sunday, 25 on Monday, 40 on Tuesday and 49 on Wednesday.
Since the city government began tracking such data on May 15, Seoul has recorded 300 cumulative cases, including two deaths.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its highest heat-level alert for the entire city at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. The warning remained in effect for a third consecutive day as of Thursday.
As a result, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and its district offices are running a heat wave response center staffed by 556 people across 104 teams. The center is monitoring conditions and coordinating the city’s emergency response.
The city is also operating 9,848 facilities, such as shelters — some designed specifically for workers outdoors, such as delivery drivers — emergency evacuation centers and heat-reduction facilities.
Additionally, Seoul is providing support and protective services for vulnerable residents, including older adults living alone, outdoor workers, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, homeless people and residents of low-income single-room occupancy housing.
Health officials say that the key to preventing heat-related illness is water, shade and rest. They advise people to drink water regularly even when they don’t feel thirsty, avoid direct sun by staying in shaded or cool areas and limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. They also recommend wearing loose, light-colored and lightweight clothing outdoors and showering frequently.
BY JEONG HYE-JEONG [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
