S Korea battles record heat as death toll climbs to 16

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave that has claimed at least 16 lives, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to call for stronger government action and a long-term overhaul of the country’s disaster response system as extreme weather becomes increasingly frequent.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Lee urged authorities to expand support for those affected by the scorching temperatures, protect people’s daily lives, and inspect power systems as electricity demand surges due to widespread use of air conditioning.

“We need to make efforts for a fundamental overhaul of the national crisis system, since this extreme weather is becoming normal,” Lee said.

The country’s weather agency reported that Yangsan, a southeastern inland city, recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday—the highest ever measured in South Korea’s 122 years of weather observations.

The Korea Meteorological Administration also issued its first-ever severe heatwave warning for the entire capital, Seoul, on Tuesday after extending an alert that had initially covered parts of the city and neighboring Gyeonggi Province. The warning applies when the perceived temperature reaches at least 38 degrees Celsius or the daily high exceeds 39 degrees Celsius.

Health officials said the prolonged heat has significantly increased the risk of heat-related illnesses. Government data showed that 18 new cases were reported in Seoul on Monday, bringing the city’s total since mid-May to 185, including two deaths.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has introduced emergency measures, including spraying water on roads to reduce surface temperatures and expanding assistance for vulnerable residents, particularly those living in cramped housing. Nearly 4,000 community centers, senior centers and welfare facilities have been designated as cooling shelters.

The Interior Ministry has also sent emergency text alerts urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, stay hydrated, rest in cool places and check on elderly family members and neighbors.

Meanwhile, neighboring Thailand is experiencing unsettled monsoon conditions, with average temperatures of around 29 degrees Celsius feeling closer to 35 degrees because of high humidity, highlighting the broader impact of increasingly volatile weather across the region.