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Asia Scorched: Record Heat Wave Claims Lives and Livestock
5 Aug
Summary
- Extreme heatwave grips Northeast Asia causing deaths and livestock loss.
- South Korea declares heatwave a national disaster due to soaring temperatures.
- Over 18,000 people hospitalized with heat stroke symptoms in Japan.
- North Korea suggests dog meat consumption to combat extreme heat.
Northeast Asia is currently grappling with a record-breaking heat wave, causing widespread distress and loss across South Korea, North Korea, and Japan. In South Korea, temperatures have reached as high as 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 F) in greater Seoul, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to declare the ongoing heat wave a "national disaster." The extreme conditions have resulted in approximately 2,220 diagnosed heat-related illnesses and 19 deaths since mid-May, alongside significant livestock and fish fatalities. On July 20-26, Japan saw over 18,000 individuals hospitalized with heat stroke symptoms. The nation's environment ministry issued heat stroke alerts for western and southern regions.
Compounding the crisis, North Korea's authorities have issued advisories and recommended unusual measures, including consuming dog meat and fish porridge, to combat the heat and supplement protein intake. While dog meat has been a traditional stamina food, South Korea plans to ban its consumption starting next year. In Japan, the intense heat has exacerbated existing issues, including the aftermath of a recent earthquake. Tragically, three lions at a Tokyo zoo died from heatstroke, exhibiting dehydration and multiple organ failure, highlighting the severe impact on both humans and animals.
