South Korea is confronting an unprecedented heatwave, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to declare it a "national disaster" and mobilize all available government resources. Temperatures in the southern part of the country have reached a historic 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.

In response to the extreme conditions, authorities are implementing measures such as deploying drones equipped with loudspeakers and thermal imaging cameras to monitor farmers, particularly the elderly, in rural areas like North Gyeongsang province. These drones broadcast heat warnings, urging individuals to take breaks and seek cooler environments.

Residents are seeking refuge in public spaces, with some individuals observed sheltering at the second terminal of Incheon International Airport. Seniors take shelter at the second terminal of Incheon International Airport Local governments have also dispatched trucks to parks, markets, and bus stops to distribute chilled water. In Yangsan, the city that recorded the highest temperature, sprinkler trucks have been seen watering sun-baked roads.

Since mid-May, nearly 2,500 individuals have sought emergency room treatment for heat-related illnesses, and at least 21 deaths have been attributed to the heat this year. "Heatwave conditions once seen only in foreign news reports have now become our reality," President Lee stated on Thursday, highlighting the severity of the situation.