South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called the record heatwave sweeping across the peninsula a national disaster, with the death toll reaching 19.
“Considering the current situation as a state disaster, utmost efforts should be made to protect people’s lives by taking necessary measures promptly and thoroughly,” Lee told officials during a cabinet meeting on Aug. 4, according to the Yonhap News Agency.
Lee instructed officials to inspect electricity systems to ensure they can cope with the increased demand for air conditioning.
Electricity consumption is expected to reach a record high in late August.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) issued its first-ever heatwave warning for parts of Seoul on Aug. 3, extending it to the whole capital city on Aug. 4….
South Korean President Calls Heatwave a National Disaster
