Weeks have passed, but the extreme heat shows no signs of abating in Southeast Asia. In fact, scientists have declared that they cannot yet predict when this record heatwave will end.
The Manila Times reports that the highest temperatures in the Philippines at the end of April could range from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, while Thaiger reports that temperatures in Thailand could vary from 38 to 41 degrees Celsius depending on the region.
(Graphics: T. ĐẠT)
Struggling with Record Temperatures
Millions of people across Southeast Asia are facing a crisis due to record high temperatures.
The heat has disrupted daily life for residents. Dry weather has hindered crop growth, depleted water sources, and increased electricity consumption for cooling devices like fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators.
According to Singapore’s CNA, a range of health issues arising from the heat has raised concerns among the population. The heat not only increases the risk of heart diseases, lung problems, strokes, and heat exhaustion, but also poses a risk of heat stroke as many people seek refuge in shaded areas only to immediately step back out into the scorching sun.
Furthermore, the heat has negatively impacted mental health, as the relentless sun can lead to anxiety and fatigue. This, in turn, can result in social issues such as irritability and difficulty regulating emotions and behavior.
In mid-April, Myanmar’s military government spokesperson Zaw Min Tun announced that former leader Aung San Suu Kyi (79 years old) had been moved from prison to house arrest due to the extreme heat.
“Because the weather is very hot, not only for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi but also for prisoners who need necessary precautions, especially elderly prisoners. We are making efforts to protect them from heat stroke,” Major General Zaw Min Tun stated.
Not only humans, but rising temperatures are also increasing sea temperatures, turning the once cool beaches of Thailand into “boiling pots” threatening the vibrant coral reefs, according to The Guardian.
Coping with the Heat
A pedestrian shielding from the sun while walking in Bangkok, Thailand – (Photo: Xinhua)
According to CNN, while average temperatures in Southeast Asia have steadily increased over the decades since 1960, weather experts indicate that one of the most concerning aspects of the current heatwave spreading across the region is its prolonged duration and unpredictability regarding its end.
Researchers from the Swiss climate research group IQ Air have stated that the early summer heatwave of 2024 is due to a combination of factors including human-induced climate change and the effects of El Niño.
“This phenomenon has led to unprecedented high temperatures across the region,” the researchers from IQ Air noted in a statement released on April 5. “Currently, we do not see a precise end date for this heatwave, as temperature reductions depend on factors like weather and government efforts to mitigate heat,” they added.
Professor Benjamin Horton, director of the Singapore Earth Observatory, remarked that the temperature levels recorded globally over the past 12 months, both on land and at sea, have astonished scientists.
“We always knew that the world would trend in this direction with rising greenhouse gas levels, but we have surpassed our heat records sooner than expected,” Horton said.
“There are very few places on Earth capable of coping with such high temperatures,” he added, emphasizing the need for society to find ways to adapt to the heat.
In Singapore, some schools have relaxed uniform regulations, allowing students to wear sports uniforms instead of formal attire. Businesses are also adjusting their work schedules if outdoor activities are planned.
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore (MOM) has required that manual laborers receive more frequent breaks during work hours to avoid heat exposure. Increasingly, buildings in Singapore are using new materials to reduce urban heat island effects, such as constructing rooftop gardens or using reflective paint to decrease heat absorption.
Severe Impact on Children and the Elderly
Extreme weather has the most negative effects on the elderly and young children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that over 243 million children across Southeast Asia and the Pacific are at risk of heat-related illnesses and even death this summer.
UNICEF experts explain that children are less capable of regulating their body temperature compared to adults, making them more susceptible to temperature-related illnesses such as chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, and cardiovascular issues.
“Children are more vulnerable than adults to the impacts of climate change, and excessively high temperatures pose a potential fatal threat to young children,” stated Debora Comini, director of UNICEF’s East Asia and Pacific regional office.
