South Korea records 42.5°C heatwave, 19 deaths reported

A heatwave sweeping the nation has claimed at least 19 lives, marking the deadliest impact of the country’s hottest day on record. Meteorological services confirmed that temperatures surged to unprecedented levels, surpassing previous highs documented since systematic weather monitoring began. Health officials attribute the fatalities to heat‑related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration, noting that vulnerable groups—including the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without access to cooling facilities—were disproportionately affected.

Authorities have issued urgent advisories urging residents to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention at the first signs of heat exhaustion. Emergency shelters equipped with air‑conditioning have been opened in major cities, while public utilities are monitoring power grids to prevent outages amid the heightened demand for cooling. The government has pledged to review heatwave preparedness measures, emphasizing the need for coordinated response strategies as climate patterns continue to produce extreme temperature events.