South Korea’s Lee urges authorities to step up support as heatwave kills 16

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged authorities on Tuesday to increase support for citizens affected by a record-breaking heatwave that has resulted in 16 deaths. The extreme weather conditions have caused temperatures to soar, notably reaching 42.5°C in the southeastern inland city of Yangsan on Sunday, marking the highest temperature recorded in 122 years of observations.

In response to the severe conditions, municipal officials have taken preventative measures, including the test-operation of a cooling fog system in downtown Busan ahead of the summer heat wave. The President's call for heightened governmental assistance underscores the severity of the ongoing environmental crisis impacting the region.