Heatwave Follows 600mm Downpour... Growing Concerns Over Heat-Related Illnesses

As of the 20th, 114 Cases of Heat-Related Illness Reported in Jeonnam
Fifth Highest Rate Nationwide
Concerns Over Heatwave Impact at Flood Recovery Sites
Jeonnam Province Urges Residents to Drink Water Frequently and Take Precautions

Heat Illness Prevention Guidelines. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Following record-breaking heavy rains, a severe heatwave is now gripping the region. Jeonnam Province, which has been making every effort to recover from flood damage, is also on high alert.

According to the status of the emergency room heat illness surveillance system analyzed by Jeonnam Province as of July 20, there have been a total of 114 cases of heat-related illness in the region (no fatalities). Heat exhaustion accounted for 69 cases (60.5%), making it the most common, followed by heatstroke with 26 cases (22.8%), and heat cramps with 3 cases. By gender, 84 cases (73.7%) were male and 30 cases (26.3%) were female.

By location, workplaces accounted for the highest number of cases with 39, followed by rice paddies and fields with 27, and sports grounds with 7, meaning that 80% (91 cases) occurred outdoors. However, 23 cases (20%) also occurred indoors, such as at home or in greenhouses.

Considering that the number of heat-related illness cases nationwide during the same period was 1,651 (with 9 fatalities), approximately 1 out of every 10 cases occurred in Jeonnam Province.

In fact, Jeonnam currently ranks as the region with the fifth highest number of heat-related illness cases nationwide, following Gyeonggi (355 cases), North Gyeongsang (162 cases), Seoul (161 cases), and South Gyeongsang (157 cases).

The concern is that the number of heat-related illness cases may continue to rise. Since July 21, a heatwave advisory has been issued across the entire Jeonnam region. Due to the influence of hot and humid air, daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 33 degrees Celsius, with the perceived temperature forecast to exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

Farmers in the region are resting at a portable shade shelter urgently provided by Jeonnam Province to rural areas to minimize heatwave damage. Provided by Jeonnam Province

This is also expected to significantly impact ongoing efforts to recover from the recent flood damage.

From July 17 for three days, Jeonnam was hit by more than 600mm of torrential rain, resulting in over 35 billion KRW in property damage, including flooded homes, stores, and farmland, as well as livestock deaths. A large workforce is currently engaged in recovery operations, most of whom are working outdoors. As a result, the risk of exposure to heat-related illnesses due to the heatwave is increasing.

Jeonnam Province has been urging residents and workers to follow preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, such as drinking water frequently (regular intake to avoid feeling thirsty), refraining from outdoor activities during midday (avoiding 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.), and wearing cool clothing and taking breaks (resting for more than 20 minutes after every two hours of work). However, in reality, it is not easy to strictly adhere to these guidelines.

Jeonnam Province plans to continue monitoring the trend of heat-related illnesses through the emergency room surveillance system until September 30, and will maintain real-time response in cooperation with city and county health centers and 45 emergency medical institutions.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, said, "With extreme weather causing repeated heatwaves and heavy rains, we are strengthening on-site response and preventive publicity to minimize health damage to residents. In particular, I urge those involved in recovery operations and vulnerable groups such as the elderly to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the heatwave safety guidelines to protect their health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.