Record-high temperatures have prompted school closures and health advisories across the region as a relentless heat wave grips Southeast Asia.
In response to soaring temperatures, millions of students in all public schools across the Philippines were instructed to stay home on Monday. This decision followed the cancellation of in-person classes for two days as authorities grappled with the severe weather conditions. The Department of Education emphasized the importance of avoiding outdoor activities and staying hydrated, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the young and elderly.
According to Chan Yutha, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, this year marks the highest temperatures recorded in 170 years in the country. Forecasters predict temperatures in most parts of Cambodia to soar up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s meteorological department reported record-high temperatures in several townships across central regions. Chauk township in Magway recorded the country’s highest temperature at 48.2 degrees Celsius (118.8 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a longstanding record set in 1968.
The Philippines, among the hardest-hit nations in Southeast Asia, faces the threat of water shortages, power outages, and agricultural damage due to the scorching weather. In response, the Department of Education mandated home-based and online learning for over 47,000 public schools to mitigate health risks posed by extreme temperatures.
The situation in Thailand is equally dire, with temperatures surpassing 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in northern regions and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bangkok and metropolitan areas. The Department of Disease Control reported at least 30 heatstroke-related deaths this year, signaling a worrying trend.
While heat-related fatalities have been reported in Bangladesh, the situation appears less severe in Cambodia, where officials indicated minimal to no heat-related deaths. However, health authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heat wave.
As Southeast Asia battles the sweltering conditions, concerns mount over the rising number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days, governments and communities are urged to prioritize public health and safety in the face of this unprecedented weather phenomenon.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
