By Yun Suh-young
The first heat wave warning was issued in Seoul Wednesday since the heat wave alarm system was adopted in 2008, according to the state’s weather agency.
A heat wave advisory had been in effect in Seoul since last month but weather officials said it was replaced with the heat wave warning because the temperature had soared.
The warning is issued if the temperature is expected to remain above 35 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days.
From July 22 through 30, temperatures remained above 30 degrees Celsius across the nation.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) also issued a warning in some other cities in Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeolla provinces.
The western part of the country is hotter because the wind that flows into the region gets heated while crossing Taebaek Mountains, according to the agency.
Meanwhile, the number of people who have died from heat stroke or heat exhaustion has increased over the past few days.
Police said six people between the ages of 50 to 70 died in July — five of them between July 24 and 30 when the country was sizzling in the heat wave. All died while working or staying outside.
The number of people who have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses came to 366 as of Monday. During the past week patients increased exponentially as 211 out of the total 366 visited hospitals between Wednesday and Monday, according to the weather agency.
“The elderly, children, and laborers who work out in open areas, plus those with chronic health problems are especially vulnerable to the scorching heat. If they suffer any symptoms of heat-related discomfort, they must call 119 to receive emergency treatment,” the Ministry of Health and Welfare said in a statement.
“Those in their 20s and 30s can also suffer from the extra high temperatures. Everyone should consume plenty of water and try to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 5 p.m.”
In a health manual it released Wednesday, the ministry advised people to take mineral and salt supplements after sweating, to wear light clothes and to stay away from direct sunlight.
The ministry plans to operate a monitoring system at hospitals until Sept. 30 to keep track of the number of patients suffering from the abnormal heat and to get up to date heat-related information.