7 die from heat-related causes

Pedestrians in Daegu are cooled down by mist from a cooling fog system on top of a wall, Friday, when the midday high reached 35 degrees Celsius in the city. The sweltering weather is forecast to continue for about 10 more days. / Yonhap

By Lee Kyung-min

The weeks-long scorching heat has been forcing people to suffer from heat-related problems, with seven people dying in less than two weeks.

The sweltering weather, however, is expected to continue for at least two more weeks, adding concerns about more health dangers.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease and Control (KCDC), seven people died from heat-related causes nationwide since July 24 when the daytime highs kept rising to more than 30 degrees Celsius. The victims died after showing symptoms of dehydration, swelling of extremities, having seizures and collapse.

The number equals the total for all of last year.

A total of 411 people also visited hospital emergency rooms for treatment after suffering from heat-related symptoms between July 24 and Aug. 3, accounting for almost half of the total of 909 patients since the KDCD began monitoring heat-related illnesses on May 23. The total number of patients, 909, also increased from 705 during the same period last year.

Of the total, 75.6 percent were men. Almost six out of 10 were in their 50s or older.

On Friday, Seoul’s midday highs reached 36 degrees Celsius, the season’s highest. Gyeonggi provincial cities of Seongnam, Gwacheon and Gwangmyeong reached 37 degrees.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued a heat wave alert in Seoul, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, Sejong as well as Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces. The alert is issued when daytime highs are expected to reach over 35 degrees for at least two days.

Other parts of the country received heat advisories, which are issued when the midday highs are expected to be over 33 degrees for at least two days.

Most parts of the nation have been gripped by “tropical night phenomenon” for 18 consecutive days. The phenomenon refers to the nighttime temperature not going below 25 degrees.

The KMA said heat wave warnings are likely to stay in effect for about 10 more days, because of a “heat dome,” in which hot air is trapped due to a high pressure system that keeps the air stationary.

“The nation will experience even higher temperatures in the coming days due to hot dry air that flowed onto the Korean Peninsula from Northern China and Russia,” a KMA official said.

“While sporadic rain showers are expected in the country on Sunday and Monday, the amount of rain will not be enough to cool down the heat,” he added.

The KCDC advised people to refrain from outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the hottest part of the day, adding that extra caution is needed for those who work outside such as construction workers, as well as children and the elderly.

“It is important to keep the body temperature cool by frequently washing hands and face with cold water, and to stay in an air-conditioned room,” a KCDC official said. “When outside, limiting one’s exposure to the sun is strongly advised by using an umbrella or resting in the shade.”

While drinking a lot of water and sports drinks with sodium are advised, it is recommended to avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages, he said.