Heat-related death toll rises to 21 amid serious heat wave

South Korea saw 21 deaths from heat-related illnesses this year, as the nation battles an intense heat wave, health officials reported on Wednesday. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 2,441 patients had visited emergency rooms for heat-related issues since mid-May, when the heat-related illness surveillance system was introduced.

Despite fewer heat-related illnesses compared to the same period last year, more fatalities occurred this year, exceeding the previous year's total of 20. The latest victim was a 60-year-old man working outside on a farm in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, on Tuesday. Of the reported patients, 61.7 percent experienced heat exhaustion, 16.8 percent suffered from heat stroke, and 11.5 percent had heat cramps.

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued additional serious heat wave warnings for the Seoul area earlier, with 43 percent of the region under the highest alert level. Temperatures in Seoul are anticipated to peak at 39 C on Thursday, as per the agency.