Record Heat Grips Korean Peninsula

Extreme heat is gripping both South and North Korea, prompting authorities to expand emergency measures as residents seek relief in cooling centers, beaches and water parks.

South Korea's weather agency said Yangsan reached 42.5°C on Sunday, the highest temperature recorded since modern weather observations began in 1904. The southeastern city had already set national temperature records on the previous two days. Forecasters warned that the heatwave is spreading toward the Seoul metropolitan area and western parts of the country.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 14 people have died from heat-related causes since mid-May, while nearly 1,900 people have required medical treatment for heat-related illnesses.

(Reuters, Lud)