Story perspectives

President Lee Declares Record Heatwave National Disaster

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung declared the heatwave a national disaster and ordered protective measures.
The Korea Meteorological Administration recorded 42.5 °C in Yangsan—the highest in 122 years—and issued its first heatwave warning for Seoul and Gyeonggi.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 19 heat-related deaths, 13 of them 80+, and 2,025 illnesses since May 15.
Authorities sprayed 2,000 km of roads with 200 trucks six times daily, while nurses checked 63,000 residents.

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Story summary

President Lee Jae Myung declared the heatwave a national disaster and ordered protective measures.
The Korea Meteorological Administration recorded 42.5 °C in Yangsan—the highest in 122 years—and issued its first heatwave warning for Seoul and Gyeonggi.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 19 heat-related deaths, 13 of them 80+, and 2,025 illnesses since May 15.
Authorities sprayed 2,000 km of roads with 200 trucks six times daily, while nurses checked 63,000 residents.