105 Cases on the 7th, 238 on the 8th
Doubled in Just One Day
First Time Since August 2018
On July 8, as record-breaking heat swept across the country, the number of heat-related illness cases exceeded 200 in a single day. This is the first time in seven years since 2018, which is known as the hottest year on record.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on July 9, a total of 238 people (including one death) were treated for heat-related illnesses at 516 emergency rooms nationwide the previous day. Since July 4, when 43 cases were reported, the daily number has gradually increased, reaching 105 on July 7, and then doubling to 238 on July 8.
As the heatwave continues day after day, making this the hottest July in history, intense sunlight is pouring down on the urban water playground in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 9th. Photo by Jo Yongjun
This is the first time since August 3, 2018, when 229 cases were reported during the worst heatwave on record, that the number of heat-related illness cases has exceeded 200 in a single day. In August of that year, more than 200 cases were reported for three consecutive days: 216 on August 1, 250 on August 2, and 229 on August 3.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, at around 3:09 p.m. on July 8, the temperature in Seoul reached 37.8 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in early July (1st to 10th) since modern meteorological observations began in the city. Incheon and Busan also set new early July records, with temperatures rising to 35.6 degrees and 34.8 degrees Celsius, respectively, since meteorological observations began in August 1904 and April 1904. Daejeon also broke its early July temperature record, reaching 36.3 degrees Celsius, the highest since records began in January 1969.
So far this summer, an estimated eight people have died from heat-related illnesses, including one person who died in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province on July 8. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a total of 238 people (145 men and 93 women) have died from heat-related illnesses since the surveillance system was implemented in 2011 through last year. Of these, 156 people, or 65.5%, were seniors aged 60 or older. In 2018, when the worst heatwave occurred, 48 people died, while 32 and 34 people died in 2023 and last year, respectively.
Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by exposure to high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to hot environments can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and impaired consciousness. If left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are the most common types.
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