TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is currently experiencing severe heatwaves, with 460 people seeking medical treatment for heat-related injuries from June 1 to June 24, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛生福利部).
The Central Weather Bureau (CWB, 中央氣象署) forecasts continued extreme temperatures, predicting 38 degrees Celsius in Yunlin County (雲林縣) and Pingtung County (屏東縣), with several other regions expected to see highs of 36 degrees Celsius.
Felice Tien O'Donnell (田知學), acting director of the Emergency Intensive Care Unit at Cheng Hsin General Hospital (振興醫院), reported that while serious heatstroke cases have been rare, the hospital has treated many for heat exhaustion.
Symptoms primarily include dizziness and dehydration, especially among the elderly, who face higher risks due to poor vascular conditions. O'Donnell emphasized the importance of the elderly limiting outdoor activities and staying in shaded areas to mitigate risk.
She also cautioned that staying indoors does not necessarily prevent heat-related issues, noting that many elderly residents avoid using fans or air conditioning, leading to stuffy, poorly ventilated living conditions that can still result in heat exhaustion.
