Record heat wave impacts people and animals in Japan and Korean Peninsula

A record heat wave has gripped South Korea, North Korea and Japan.

Temperatures in the greater Seoul area reached as high as 39 degrees Celsius (102.2°F).

North Korean authorities issued a heat wave advisory and urged safety measures.

Japan's anti-disaster agency reported more than 18,000 people with heat stroke symptoms taken to hospitals in one week.

Since mid-May: South Korea records about 2,220 heat-related illnesses and 19 deaths · Week of July 20–26: More than 18,000 people in Japan hospitalized with heat stroke symptoms · July 28: Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Kumamoto, killing 38, including one heat stroke victim; lion Mugi dies at Tokyo zoo · Sunday: Yangsan hits 42.5°C, a national record; North Korean doctor recommends dog meat and other foods · Tuesday: President Lee calls heat wave a 'national disaster'; baseball fan collapses at Incheon stadium · Wednesday: Major heat wave advisory active in South Korea; KBO cancels all games; Japan issues heat stroke alert for western/southern regions

39°C (102.2°F) Peak temperature · 42.5°C (108.5°F) Record high · 18,000+ Hospital transports · 2,220 / 19 Illnesses / deaths · 38 Earthquake deaths