10 people die of heat stroke

By Park Sae-jin Posted : August 14, 2013, 18:09 Updated : August 14, 2013, 18:09
Ten people have died of heat stroke since early June, the health authorities said Tuesday.

Five of them died on Sunday and Monday, and the remaining five, between the first week of June and Monday, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The hot spell has gripped the country for weeks as temperatures topped 33 degrees Celsius in Seoul and many other cities.

The meteorological office issues a heat advisory when temperatures exceed 33 degrees Celsius for two straight days and a heat warning when temperatures surpass 35 degrees Celsius for two straight days.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the mercury soared to 37.4 degrees Celsius in Gyeongju, 36.3 degrees Celsius in Daegu, 35.8 degrees Celsius in Gangneung, 35.2 degrees Celsius in Jeonju, 34.1 degrees Celsius in Cheongju and 32.0 degrees Celsius in Seoul, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).

Many cities are expected to continue to see temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, the KMA said.

The health ministry advises people, particularly senior citizens and farmers, to refrain from outdoor activities, and drink plenty of water and rest frequently if they will be working outside.

Heat wave has also gripped Japan and China for the past weeks. Reports say more than 50 people have died of heat stroke in Japan since late May. In Chongqing, southwestern China, citizens chose to eat and play cards in the water as temperatures soared.
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