A severe heat wave is affecting multiple East Asian countries, with deadly consequences for both humans and animals. South Korea has been particularly hard hit, with its president declaring a national disaster in response to the crisis. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 19 deaths attributed to the heat, with 13 of those being individuals aged 80 or older. Since May 15, the nation has recorded at least 2,025 cases of heat-related illness. The government has instructed officials to provide support to vulnerable populations and to examine power infrastructure as demand for air conditioning intensifies.
Temperature records have fallen repeatedly in South Korea over the past week. The most recent record was set in the city of Yangsan on Sunday at 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature recorded in 122 years of meteorological data. Officials have expressed concern that the extreme conditions may persist, with the president advocating for substantial reforms to the national disaster management framework.
Japan has experienced similarly dangerous conditions. Between July 20 and 26, approximately 18,600 people required hospitalization for heatstroke, with 45 deaths. At Tama Zoological Park in Tokyo, three lions died during the heat wave in separate incidents. Zoo officials attributed the deaths to heatstroke, noting that while lions are generally heat-tolerant, the combination of high temperature and humidity in Japan differs significantly from their native African environment. Portions of Japan have reached 40 degrees Celsius and are now classified as “cruelly hot day” conditions.
The heat wave extends beyond East Asia. North Korea has implemented heat advisories across much of the country, though casualty figures remain unavailable due to restricted media access. Extreme heat has also triggered wildfires in Greece, Spain, and France, while the United States has experienced elevated temperatures increasing wildfire risks. The United Nations weather agency has warned that an intensifying El Nino phenomenon is expected to increase global temperatures and disrupt rainfall patterns starting this month.
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