Story perspectives

Record 42.5°C Heatwave Kills 14, Triggers Alerts

8/4/2026

Summary

Han Orders Action

Yangsan hit 42.5 °C, the highest temperature in 122 years, setting a South Korea heatwave record.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency logged 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise resources after the alert rose to the second-highest level.
Seoul expanded cooling shelters and water distribution while Yangsan added water-spraying as electricity demand nears a record.

Summary

KMA Warns

KMA warned that Typhoon Dolphin moving toward China’s southeast coast could change the length and severity of the regional heatwave.
Average annual heatwave days have risen to 19 in the last five years, up from eight in the 1970s.
Scientists say the increase is driven by human-induced climate change and the 2026 return of El Niño.
A magnitude-1 quake in Kumamoto left about 95,000 homes without water nationwide, heightening heat-stroke risk.

Summary

Man Jetskis

A man was photographed riding a jetski on the Han River in Seoul as the heatwave peaked.
The image illustrates a growing trend of residents seeking water-based recreation on rivers and other waterways to escape extreme temperatures.
More than 20 localities across South Korea were placed under the newly introduced emergency heat-wave alert, highlighting the widespread impact of the record heat.

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Han Orders Action

Yangsan hit 42.5 °C, the highest temperature in 122 years, setting a South Korea heatwave record.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency logged 14 deaths and 1,889 heat-related illnesses since mid-May.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook ordered ministries and local governments to mobilise resources after the alert rose to the second-highest level.
Seoul expanded cooling shelters and water distribution while Yangsan added water-spraying as electricity demand nears a record.

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