Heat Wave Alerts Elevated Across South Korea

SEOUL, July 10 (NNN-Yonhap) -- South Korea has raised heat wave alerts from advisories to more serious warnings, with scorching heat expected across most parts of the country from this weekend, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, heat advisories previously issued in 116 of the country's 235 zones have been elevated to warnings as of 3 pm, according to the ministry.

Advisories are issued when the maximum apparent temperature is expected to reach 33 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two consecutive days, while warnings are issued when it is forecast to reach 35 degrees Celsius.

The heat follows monsoon rains that battered central and other parts of the country since Wednesday, leaving one person missing and forcing 758 people to evacuate nationwide.

The ministry plans to step up monitoring of the elderly, farmers and outdoor workers, as high humidity following the heavy downpours sharply increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

It said the ministry will also fully mobilise local safety networks, including village chiefs and care workers, to regularly check on vulnerable groups.

--NNN-YONHAP