“As many as 29 people have died due to heatstroke in South Korea, according to the South Korean Ministry of Health, Welfare and Disease Control.
The country is undergoing an extended heatwave, with at least 15 days of temperatures over 35˚C (95˚F) recorded, the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported. The agency added that Wednesday [August 1] was the hottest day in Seoul in 111 years, with a temperature of 39.6˚C.
The Office of the Prime Minister has ordered all public construction sites to cease work during daytime hours for the duration of the extreme temperatures. The government will also focus on medical support to communities, including providing fluid and cooling systems for 1,000 elderly farmers.
On the northern side of the Korean demilitarized zone, state media KCNA republished an editorial from state newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Thursday, which said “this year’s high temperature(s are) an unprecedented natural disaster.”
The unprecedented high temperatures are also affecting neighboring Japan with dozens of deaths reported as temperatures top 41 degrees Celsius, almost 12 degrees hotter than average at this time of year.
Much of the northern hemisphere has been experiencing a scorching summer characterized by heatwaves and extreme weather. Asia has been particularly hard hit…
Extreme heat can have an effect, especially on the elderly, said Joel Myers of ccuWeather. “Heat exhaustion and stroke, dehydration, migraines, loss of sleep and mood alteration can all occur due to dangerous heat. Historical data shows that more people are likely to be involved in vehicle crashes due to heat-related impacts, such as decreased ability to concentrate, the poor quality of sleep they get and impaired mood, etc.”
“Satan is even now seeking by disasters upon sea and land to seal the fate of as many as possible.” Historical Sketches, page 155.
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