Story perspectives

South Korea Declares Disaster as Heat Wave Claims 19 Lives

8/5/2026

Summary

South Korea Declares Disaster

South Korea declared a disaster after a heat wave raised Seoul to 39 °C and Yangsan to 42.5 °C, a 1904 high.
The Interior and Safety Ministry recorded 2,220 illnesses, 19 deaths, and losses of 17,140 livestock and 160,000 fish.
Japan issued a heat alert after two fans collapsed at an Incheon baseball game.
The July 28 quake left 43,000 Kumamoto homes without water, contributing to the death of three lions from dehydration.

Summary

KMA Issues Warning

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first heat-wave warning for Seoul and Gyeonggi on Monday.
President Lee ordered power-grid inspections and urged swift protective steps as air-conditioning demand surged.
Dozens of Yeongdeungpo ‘jjokbang’ residents were moved to temporary shelters equipped with air-conditioning.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recorded 2,025 heat-related illnesses and 13 deaths among people over 80 since May 15, out of 19 total heat-related deaths.

1 of 2

South Korea Declares Disaster

South Korea declared a disaster after a heat wave raised Seoul to 39 °C and Yangsan to 42.5 °C, a 1904 high.
The Interior and Safety Ministry recorded 2,220 illnesses, 19 deaths, and losses of 17,140 livestock and 160,000 fish.
Japan issued a heat alert after two fans collapsed at an Incheon baseball game.
The July 28 quake left 43,000 Kumamoto homes without water, contributing to the death of three lions from dehydration.

1 / 2