South Korea Reports 19 Heat-Related Deaths During Severe Heatwave

South Korea faces a rising death toll from heat-related illnesses amid a severe heatwave, with fatalities reaching 19 this year, officials reported. Since mid-May, over 3,100 individuals have sought emergency medical attention for heat-induced conditions, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) indicated that heat exhaustion, often referred to as sunstroke, accounts for approximately 61% of cases, followed by heat stroke at 16% and heat cramps at nearly 13%. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, with those aged 65 and above comprising almost one-third of patients. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as temperatures soar, emphasizing the importance of heat safety measures.