Heat Wave Claims Lives of 17 Elderly Farmers in South Korea
At least 17 people, predominantly elderly farmers who were working outside in the scorching heat, have tragically lost their lives over the weekend due to a relentless heat wave in South Korea. Since mid-June, when the first heat wave alerts were issued, the country has been struggling with sweltering temperatures, with highs reaching around 35°C in many regions.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, along with fire authorities nationwide, has compiled data revealing that 17 individuals have died in connection with the recent heat wave. North Gyeongsang Province was hit the hardest, with seven elderly farmers falling victim to the extreme weather conditions.
One incident occurred when a passerby in his 60s collapsed on a farmland path in the city of Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province on Sunday. Emergency services arrived and discovered his body temperature had soared to 39.2°C. Despite medical intervention, he unfortunately did not survive.
Among those who tragically succumbed to the heat wave were two farmers in their 80s in South Gyeongsang Province, who died while working outdoors on Sunday. A woman in her 80s also lost her life due to heat-related complications while working outside the previous day.
Saturday proved to be particularly devastating, as four elderly farmers from North Gyeongsang Province—working in Mungyeong, Gimcheon, Sangju, and Gyeongsan, respectively—perished from heat-related causes.
South Chungcheong Province witnessed a heatstroke-related death on both Saturday and Sunday, as a person in their 60s passed away while weeding a grave in Seocheon, and a farmer in their 90s died while working in the same region. The farmer’s body temperature at the time of discovery was measured at a startling 41°C.
In addition to the deaths mentioned, Gyeonggi Province, located near Seoul, reported two heat-related fatalities. Furthermore, a farmer in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, died while working, while authorities are investigating whether the death of a resident in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, was also heat-related after they were found deceased in their yard.
When found, all the victims exhibited high body temperatures. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported six deaths presumed to be heat-related on Saturday, along with 73 cases of heat-related illnesses by 4 p.m. on Sunday.
With this tragic loss of life, it is crucial to remain vigilant during this intense heat wave and prioritize the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those working outdoors. Authorities are urging people to take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the extreme heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Extreme weather conditions like the current heat wave pose significant risks to public health, highlighting the importance of advancing policies and strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As the global community faces more frequent and severe heat waves, understanding their consequences becomes crucial for protecting lives and ensuring a sustainable future.
