Heat wave death toll in South Korea rises to 22

A man uses a portable fan as he waits to cross a road in Seoul on Aug 14 during the prolonged heatwave which has gripped much of the country. - AFP

SEOUL: A man in his 20s died on Aug 13 from what is thought to be an acute reaction from extreme heat exposure, raising the nationwide death toll due to heat-related illnesses to 22 as of Aug 15.

Of the 2,570 who have been diagnosed with heat-related illnesses, 22 people have died since May 20 until 4pm local time on Aug 15, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s latest tally during what has been one of the most severe heat waves in recent years.