Story perspectives

Record 42.5°C Heat Triggers Alerts, 14 Deaths

8/3/2026

Summary

South Korea Heatwave

South Korea recorded a national high of 42.5 °C in Yangsan at 1:26 pm on Aug 2, and ordered a halt to outdoor activities.
More than 20 localities were placed under the emergency heatwave alert category introduced in 2026.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook directed ministries and local governments to mobilise resources, conduct safety checks, and secure power.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.

Summary

Gyeongsang Heat Crisis

South Gyeongsang reservoirs fell below 40 % capacity, with Miryang’s Baegan at 1.1 % and Geumpo at 2 %.
Fish farms lost 14,000 mullet in Hadong and 98,000 olive flounder in Gwangju, costing 423 million won.
North Gyeongsang allocated 16.5 billion won for heat-damage prevention, funding barn cooling, insurance subsidies and fog-misting.
Summer festivals added shade nets, fans and water coolers, limiting afternoon events to under 36 °C.

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South Korea Heatwave

South Korea recorded a national high of 42.5 °C in Yangsan at 1:26 pm on Aug 2, and ordered a halt to outdoor activities.
More than 20 localities were placed under the emergency heatwave alert category introduced in 2026.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook directed ministries and local governments to mobilise resources, conduct safety checks, and secure power.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.

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