2024 Southeast Asia heat wave
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (April 2024) |
In April 2024, several Southeast Asian countries experienced recording breaking temperatures, which had left several people dead.[1]
Countries
Laos
Laos had a new all-time record as Luang Prabang reached 42.7°C (109°F) on 16 April 2024.[1] The weather bureau warned against outdoor activities with most areas in the countries forecasted to reach 40°C to 43°C from 25 April to 28 April.[2]
Myanmar
Since the start of April 2024, a Yangon charity had treated at least 100 people for heat-related injuries. Temperatures hit 47°C in Chauk Township in Mandalay Region, 45°C in Nyaung-U and 44°C in Myingyan, and Minbu and Sinphyukyun in Magwe Region. In Sagaing Region, civilians who are displaced by the ongoing civil war were doubly impacted,[3] with Mone Hla villagers in Khin-U Township reporting health problems and water shortages since their homes were torched by junta soldiers on 28 March.[4] The rolling power blackout would meant that people are not able to use electric appliances to cool themselves,[4] with people resorting to cool themselves under the shades of trees in parks in the afternoon.[5]
Philippines
As at 18 April, authorities had logged 34 heat-related illnesses. The heat index in several areas rose to levels of 42°C to 51°C.[6] In-person attendance at public schools were suspended between 29 and 30 April, favouring long-distance learning setup as classrooms in public schools are often crowded and poorly ventilated.[7]
Thailand
As of 28 April, there have been 30 heat-related deaths, as compared to 37 deaths in whole of 2023.[8] The temperature has thus far caused a record demand of electricity as people seek to cool themselves.[9] Water levels at Lam Takhong reservoir and Lam Mun river in Nakhon Ratchasima had dropped sharply as drought and extreme heat caused the main water sources to run dry, sparking fears of water shortage.[10] Inspections at chemical warehouses were stepped up as there had been a series of fires and some of the stored chemicals are heat sensitive.[11]
References
- ^ a b Ward, Taylor; Regan, Helen (19 April 2023). "Large swathes of Asia sweltering through record breaking temperatures". CNN. Archived from the original on 6 July 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Lao weather bureau warns against outdoor activities amid soaring temperatures". The Star. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "5,000 flee military raids on villages in Myanmar's Sagaing region". 19 April 2024. Archived from the original on 23 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ a b Mi Ei Thinzar Myint (9 April 2024). "Myanmar's Extreme Heat Threatens Lives". Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "'Everyone sits out': Yangon parks offer heat wave relief". phys.org. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Sarao, Zacarian (22 April 2024). "DOH logs 34 cases of heat-related illness so far this year". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Philippines suspends in-person classes due to heat, jeepney strike". CNA. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ Igini, Martina (26 April 2024). "Extreme Heat, Heavy Rain Kill Hundreds Across Thailand, East Africa". Earth.Org. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Power demand hits record as extreme heat prompts warnings". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Lam Takhong reservoir, Lam Mun river drying up amid water shortage fears". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
- ^ "Srettha orders inspection of chemical warehouses". Bangkok Post. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 29 April 2024.