Pakistan, Aug. 4 -- A severe heatwave has claimed 16 lives in South Korea this year as record temperatures continue to grip the country. Authorities have also reported a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, emergency measures have been expanded to protect vulnerable residents from extreme weather conditions.

Read More: South Korea records hottest day as temperature reaches 42.5degC

According to South Korea's Interior Ministry, 2,025 people suffered heat-related illnesses between May 15 and August 2. Among them, 16 people died due to the intense heat. Officials said the number of patients has continued to increase as temperatures remain unusually high across the country.

Over the past week, South Korea has broken its highest...