SEOUL, Aug 5 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- Five South Koreans died from heat-related causes over the weekend, bringing this year's total fatalities to 13 as scorching heat continues to plague the nation, Yonhap news agency reported on Monday.
Three deaths were reported on Saturday in the southwestern city of Gwangju and North Gyeongsang Province, suspected to be from heat-related illnesses.
On Sunday, two men in their 90s were found dead in the city of Suncheon, also due to suspected heat-related causes, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and fire authorities.
These recent fatalities bring the total number of heat-related deaths this year to 13.
As of Saturday, 1,546 people have suffered heat-related illnesses this year. In response, the government has activated an intensive monitoring system, particularly for senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.
An intense heatwave has gripped the nation since late last month, following the end of the monsoon season. The current heatwave is forecast to continue for at least another 10 days, according to the weather agency.
Last week, the interior ministry issued its highest heatwave warning of "serious" and upgraded its response posture to Level 1, the highest level, with temperatures soaring to around 40°C in some regions.
-- BERNAMA-YONHAP
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