Temperature Reaches 38 Degrees Celsius, Seoul Sets Highest Heat Alert

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/rawkkim

JAKARTA - The highest heat wave warning for the first time was set for Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, with high temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave warning was set for the southeastern and northwestern Seoul areas from 11 a.m. local time, according to the Korean Meteorological Service.

Dilansir ANTARA dari Yonhap, Selasa, 4 Agustus, sejumlah 11 wilayah di Seoul, termasuk Gangnam, Songpa, Gangseo, dan Gwanak, tercakup dalam peringatan cuaca yang untuk pertama kalinya hadir dalam sistem peringatan cuaca panas Korsel pada 1 Juni tersebut.

The highest heat wave warning is issued when the perceived air temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius or more, or the highest daily temperature reaches 39 degrees Celsius or more, for areas where the highest temperature is at least 35 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days or more.

The worsening heat wave triggered a total of 18 heat-related illnesses in Seoul on Monday, according to government reports.

With this figure, the number of cases of victims of the heat wave in the South Korean capital since May 15 has reached 185, including two deaths.

The Seoul government said it was closely monitoring the increase in the number of heat-related deaths and taking mitigation measures, including by wetting the streets and protecting vulnerable groups, such as people living in densely populated neighborhoods.

The city authorities also designated a total of 4,000 points, including community centers and elderly centers, as places for heat wave refugees.

The South Korean Ministry of the Interior also reminded the public through a short message to drink plenty of water, rest in a cool place, not wander around or be active outside the room, and pay attention to the safety of family members.