Record Heat Wave Brings Suffering to Northeast Asia
A severe heat wave has engulfed Northeast Asia, affecting South Korea, North Korea, and Japan. The extreme temperatures have resulted in a plethora of health issues, including heat-related illnesses and heat strokes.
In South Korea, a major heat wave advisory was issued for most of the country, with temperatures in the densely populated Seoul region reaching as high as 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit). The Interior and Safety Ministry reported that since mid-May, approximately 2,220 people have been diagnosed with heat-related illnesses, with 19 fatalities. Additionally, around 17,140 livestock and 160,000 farmed fish have perished due to the heat.
In North Korea, authorities issued a heat wave advisory and advised citizens to take safety precautions to prevent heat-related health problems. A doctor, Min Son Yong, recommended consuming dog meat and fish porridge to supplement protein and combat the heat. Dog meat has been a traditional stamina food in North Korea, and its consumption is expected to increase during the hottest time of the year.
Japan’s anti-disaster agency reported over 18,000 people with heat stroke symptoms were transported to hospitals during the week of July 20 to 26. Temperatures in the Tokyo region temporarily fell, but intense heat continued to affect southern Japan. The Environment Ministry issued a heat stroke alert for most of western and southern Japan.
A woman in her 70s died from heat stroke while taking shelter in a car in Kumamoto, Japan. Three lions died at a Tokyo zoo due to heat-related health issues. The zoo reported that the lions suffered from dehydration and multiple organ failure, and officials believe heat was the primary cause of their deaths.
In South Korea, a baseball game between SSG Landers and LG Twins was halted for approximately 10 minutes when a spectator collapsed due to heat exhaustion. The game was later canceled, and the Korea Baseball Organization rescheduled the match for a later date.
President Lee Jae Myung has instructed officials to treat the heat wave as a ‘national disaster’ and to make all-out efforts to protect lives. The government has advised citizens to take precautions and to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.
