By Lee Kyung-min
More human fatalities and livestock loss are expected in the coming weeks as the scorching hot weather continues to blanket the peninsula.
The Korea Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said a total of 723 people have fallen ill due to the heat wave including six who died due to heatstroke. It said 180 people were reported to have fallen ill last week, a 3.5 percent increase from the week before.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said 790,000 livestock have died, incurring 4.2 billion won ($4 million) in financial damage, a 28 percent increase from last year. A total of 750,000 chickens, 26,000 ducks and 3,500 pigs have also died.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), midday highs reached 34 degrees Celsius in Seoul, 35 in Daejeon, 36 in Gwangju and 37 in Daegu, Friday.
The figure in the capital, on a gradual increase over the past week, stood at 31.9 degrees, Tuesday, nearly 4 degrees Celsius higher than the previous highest average temperature in mid-July of 28.2 degrees Celsius. The mercury is likely to surpass 36 degrees Celsius, it added. A heat wave alert was issued in Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu and Sejong, and Gyeonggi, South Gyeongsang, South and North Chungcheong and South Jeolla provinces.
Korea will continue to experience tropical nights where temperatures will not drop below 25 degrees. The KMA said the current heat wave is expected to continue through the end of the month due to hot and dry air flowing onto the Korean Peninsula from Tibet. No sporadic rain showers are expected in the country for the time being, and if it does rain, the amount will not be enough to bring down temperatures, the KMA said.
Meanwhile, 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 including 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.”