South Korea declares national disaster over historic heatwave
South Korea's president has labelled an unprecedented heatwave a national disaster and ordered every government agency to mobilise resources. Authorities have issued drone warnings and set up shelters, including airports, as temperatures reach record levels nationwide.
South Korea is grappling with one of its most severe heatwaves on record, prompting the president to declare the extreme conditions a "national disaster." The declaration directs all relevant government agencies to mobilise resources to protect the public, particularly outdoor workers, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Authorities have issued warnings for drone operators as heat affects equipment and public safety, while residents in some cities have been advised to shelter in air-conditioned public buildings, including airport terminals, during the hottest hours. Local governments have expanded cooling centres and adjusted outdoor work schedules to reduce exposure.
The heatwave has strained the national power grid as air-conditioning demand surges, and health officials have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses. Meteorologists say the pattern reflects a broader trend of increasingly extreme summer temperatures across East Asia, with no significant relief expected in the immediate forecast.
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