South Korea is battling a historic heatwave, with the government mobilising drones, water trucks and public buildings to help residents cope as President Lee Jae Myung declared the crisis a "national disaster". The extreme heat has already caused significant harm, with at least 23 people dying from heat-related illnesses this year and outdoor events, including a royal ceremony and baseball matches, being cancelled for safety reasons.

Temperatures in the south reached a record 42.5C this week, and nearly 2,500 people have needed emergency treatment for heat-related conditions since mid-May. Authorities are using drones fitted with loudspeakers and thermal cameras to warn elderly farmers to take breaks, while sprinkler trucks cool city streets and air-conditioned airports have become informal shelters for homeless and elderly people. A student-built app guiding pedestrians along the shadiest routes has also gained popularity, though experts say the heat may start easing this weekend.