TOKYO — A record-breaking heat wave continues to batter Japan and the Korean Peninsula, claiming lives, overwhelming hospitals, killing thousands of farm animals, and disrupting daily life as governments intensify emergency measures to protect vulnerable communities from dangerously high temperatures.
South Korea has recorded its hottest temperature since weather observations began, with the city of Yangsan reaching 42.5 degrees Celsius, surpassing the country’s previous all-time record. President Lee Jae Myung has described the prolonged heat wave as a “national disaster,” as authorities reported at least 19 heat-related deaths and more than 2,200 people treated for heat-related illnesses. Thousands of livestock and farmed fish have also died as extreme temperatures persist across the country.
The Korea Meteorological Administration attributed the extreme conditions to a persistent high-pressure system that has trapped hot air over the peninsula, prompting the issuance of the country’s highest-level heat warnings in many areas. The government has expanded cooling shelters, distributed water and heat protection supplies, and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Professional baseball games were also canceled because of the dangerous conditions.
Japan is facing a similarly severe crisis. More than 18,000 people sought medical treatment for heatstroke within a single week as temperatures climbed across much of the country. Health authorities continue to advise residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, and limit outdoor exposure during periods of extreme heat.
The soaring temperatures have also taken a heavy toll on wildlife. Three female lions at Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park died from suspected heatstroke after exhibiting signs of severe dehydration and organ failure. Zoo officials said the deaths are the first heat-related lion fatalities in the facility’s 62-year history and have intensified efforts to protect other animals from the ongoing heat.
In Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, where communities are still recovering from last week’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake, extreme heat has complicated relief operations. Authorities reported that an elderly evacuee died from apparent heatstroke while sheltering inside a car, underscoring the added risks facing disaster survivors during prolonged high temperatures. Thousands of residents remain without regular access to water or fully air-conditioned shelters.
North Korea has also been affected by the regional heat wave. State media reported that authorities are encouraging residents to consume protein-rich and cooling foods while advising people to reduce outdoor activities during peak daytime temperatures.
Meteorologists say the heat wave is being driven by unusually persistent atmospheric conditions that have prevented cooler air from entering the region. Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events across East Asia and other parts of the world, posing growing risks to public health, agriculture, infrastructure, and wildlife.
Authorities across Japan and the Korean Peninsula continue to urge residents, particularly older adults, children, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions, to remain indoors whenever possible, stay hydrated, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illness develop.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
