Heatwave Sweeps Asia
A blistering heatwave has engulfed Asia, stretching from Myanmar to the Philippines. Millions of children have been forced out of school to escape the scorching temperatures.
According to the Straits Times, soaring temperatures have gripped much of South and Southeast Asia, with record highs broken in Chauk, Myanmar, and Manila, Philippines, in recent days.
Authorities in Thailand have issued an "urgent" heat warning, while Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Bangladesh have all recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Experts predict the heatwave may last longer than usual due to El Niño and climate change.
Affected Regions
The heatwave has hit much of South and Southeast Asia. Schools in the Philippines and Bangladesh have been suspended, while authorities in India are considering whether the heat will affect voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
Northern Japan has also been affected by the heatwave. Temperatures in the city of Sapporo rose above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in April, marking the fastest recorded temperature increase in history.
Over 70 provinces in Thailand have seen record-high temperatures in April, typically the hottest month of the year, with new records surpassing those set in 1958. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, daily maximum temperatures reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in 25 provinces during April.
Impact on Health and Education
The extreme heat is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and the poor.
Young children, the elderly, or those with disabilities or underlying health conditions can overheat more quickly than healthy adults. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that 243 million children could be at risk from the heatwave in May.
"Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to prolonged and sustained exposure," said Salwa Aleryani, UNICEF's Regional Health Adviser for East Asia and the Pacific. "Heat-related illnesses can range from heat stress and heat exhaustion to life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke, cardiovascular failure, organ failure, and neurological complications."
The Straits Times also reports that people living in poverty have less access to cooling solutions. Many poor people must work outdoors and have no protection from the heat.
Extended Heat Season
As temperatures reach dangerous levels, authorities in some countries have urged people to stay indoors. Hospitals in Nepal have been put on alert, while authorities in Cambodia have asked schools to keep doors and windows open to ventilate classrooms.
However, Aleryani notes that many children cannot escape the heat, even at home or in schools. "Parents cannot stay home from work because of the heat, so children often end up home alone during peak heat hours. This poses not only educational but also health and safety risks for children," she said.
Experts say the months leading up to the monsoon season in Asia are typically hot, but 2024 temperatures are well above average in many countries. Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, intense, and longer.
The World Meteorological Organization says Asia is warming at a faster rate than the global average, and the El Niño weather pattern is a major contributor, according to Dr. Milton Speer, a climate scientist at the University of Technology Sydney.
"The lack of cloud cover during El Niño means that average temperatures can be further increased," he told AFP. Deforestation, reducing shade, and the urban heat island effect, where materials like concrete, glass, and steel absorb rather than reflect heat, are also contributing to this year's extreme heat.
The heatwave in Bangladesh is not expected to ease until May 2. In Thailand, forecasters say the monsoon may not arrive until late May, several weeks later than usual.
Dr. Speer says the warming trend will continue even when the monsoon brings cooler air. "Heatwaves will still happen because the oceans and the atmosphere are heating up due to global warming," he said.
Adapting to the heat is critical, Dr. Speer says, and local authorities need to create more public spaces where people can cool down, both during the day and at night.
Summary
A record-breaking heatwave is ravaging Asia, putting millions of people at risk. The extreme temperatures are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The heatwave is expected to continue for longer than usual due to El Niño and climate change. Adapting to the heat is critical, including creating more public spaces where people can cool down.