South Korea heatwave kills 16: Lee calls authorities for urgent support as temperatures hit record high

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented and lethal heatwave that has claimed 16 lives, prompting top government leaders to mobilize emergency responses.

As reported by Reuters, President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday urged authorities to step up support for people affected by a record heatwave in the country.

Lee warned that death toll is climbing and extreme weather was becoming more frequent.

According to the Interior Ministry, heat-related illnesses have affected over 2,000 people since May and the South Korean President called an urgent cabinet meeting, directing authorities to heavily ramp up support for vulnerable populations and calling for a fundamental overhaul to tackle such national crisis.

The southeastern inland city of Yangsan recorded a blistering 42.5°C (108.5°F), marking the highest temperature officially logged in the country's 122 years of modern weather observations.

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued its highest-level Heat Wave Emergency Warnings across parts of Seoul and neighboring Gyeonggi Province, as dangerous conditions expand westward.

As reported, officials are closely monitoring power grids as air-conditioning demand spikes, while strongly urging residents particularly vulnerable and elderly populations—to avoid non-essential outdoor work and utilize designated cooling shelters.