As Southeast Asia grapples with unprecedented temperatures, heatstroke has tragically claimed the lives of at least 30 people in Thailand this year alone. This severe heatwave has swept across the region, forcing millions to cope with dangerously high temperatures.
In the Philippines, thousands of schools have suspended in-person classes to protect students from the extreme heat. Meanwhile, in India, a minister fainted during an election campaign speech, attributing the incident to the soaring temperatures. The Indian weather bureau has warned of continued severe heatwave conditions in nine eastern and southern states in the coming days.
Nepal is not immune to the heat's wrath, with health warnings issued and hospitals placed on alert as temperatures soar in its southern plains. Authorities in Bangkok have issued an extreme heat warning, anticipating a heat index rise above 52 degrees Celsius. The city recorded temperatures of 40.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with the heat index reaching an \"extremely dangerous\" level.
Scientific research underscores that climate change is a driving force behind longer, more frequent, and more intense heatwaves. The United Nations reported that Asia was the region most affected by climate and weather hazards in 2023, with floods and storms leading the causes of casualties and economic losses.
As the region continues to battle this intense heat, the urgent need for climate action and adaptive measures becomes increasingly clear to protect lives and livelihoods.
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Heatstroke kills 30 in Thailand this year as Southeast Asia bakes
cgtn.com
