19 dead. 2,000 ill. 420,000 livestock lost. Korea’s brutal heat wave takes its toll.

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19 dead. 2,000 ill. 420,000 livestock lost. Korea’s brutal heat wave takes its toll.

Published: 08 Aug. 2024, 11:34 Updated: 08 Aug. 2024, 19:12

A worker look on at an aquafarm in Goheung County, South Jelloa, on Wednesday. More than 430,000 fish species, including flatfish, also died in aquafarms nationwide as of Wednesday. [YONHAP]

More than 2,000 people have suffered from heat-related illnesses and 420,000 livestock have perished under the blistering heat wave so far this summer, with perceived temperatures remaining at 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency under the Ministry of Interior and Safety on Thursday, there were 2,004 cases of heat-related illnesses nationwide between May 20 and Thursday, leading to 19 deaths.

The scorching heat has also taken a heavy toll on livestock, with approximately 420,000 animals — including 31,000 pigs and 393,000 poultry — dying between June 11 and Wednesday.

More than 430,000 fish species, including flatfish, have also died in aquaculture farms.

The severe heat is expected to persist, with perceived temperatures remaining around 35 degrees Celsius and tropical nights anticipated.

Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Song Myeong-dal visits an aquafarm in Yeosu, South Jeolla, on Thursday to review its condition. [MINISTRY OF OCEANS AND FISHERIES]

Compounding the extreme heat, unexpected rain showers caused disruptions in Seoul Thursday morning.

A heavy rain warning was issued for several districts in southern Seoul, including Gangnam and Songpa, from 8:10 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

Such a warning is issued when precipitation is expected to reach 90 millimeters (3.5 inches) or more in three hours or surpass 180 millimeters in 12 hours.

Heavy rain persisted from early morning until 9 a.m., with Gangnam receiving 80.5 millimeters and Songpa experiencing 25 millimeters.

At around 8:15 a.m., Gangnam faced a severe downpour of 46.5 millimeters per hour.

Rain showers are expected on Jeju Island, the mountainous areas of Gangwon and in southern regions on Friday, and the rain will continue into Saturday, affecting larger areas including the greater Seoul area.

Update, Aug. 8: Updated death and illness figures in headline and main article.

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]