Record heatwave across Asia stokes fears of energy crisis, health risks
A record-breaking heatwave gripping much of Asia is straining power grids and raising health risks for vulnerable populations. In countries such as South Korea, residents have been forced to alter daily routines to cope with the extended heat.
A record-breaking heatwave sweeping much of Asia is driving up demand on power grids while raising health risks, particularly for older residents and people with chronic conditions. In the South Korean city of Gwangju, a 69-year-old retired government employee said she had stopped taking her daily walks amid more than a month of extreme heat.
Regional utilities say surging air-conditioning use is straining grids, with some areas facing a higher risk of outages. Health authorities report a marked rise in heatstroke cases in recent weeks.
Experts say increasingly frequent and prolonged heatwaves are forcing a rethink of regional energy planning. Governments are expected to expand cooling centers and public health warning systems in response.
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