As record heatwave hits Asia, fears of energy crisis and health risks mount
Asia’s power infrastructure may come under pressure due to high demand for air conditioning amid lingering concerns over energy supply
Chae Young-sun, a 69-year-old retired government employee living in the South Korean city of Gwangju, has stopped taking daily walks since a searing heatwave began gripping most parts of the country more than a month ago.
“I’m worried about my health because it’s simply too hot to go for a walk,” he said.
“Yesterday afternoon, I finally summoned the courage to take a short walk around my neighbourhood. Even though I stayed under the awnings of a market, I was sweating profusely and had to seek refuge in an air-conditioned pharmacy.”
On July 31, South Korea recorded its hottest day on record when the mercury level rose to 41.4 degrees Celsius in the southeastern city of Yangsan, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.