April 30, 2024
Over the past few weeks, most regions across South and Southeast Asia have been experiencing some of the highest temperatures observed in decades. While average global temperatures have been on a generally upward trend since 1960, the words unbearable and sweltering have been frequently mentioned to describe the intense heat this year.
The temperature rise has been credited to the impact of the ongoing El Nino phenomenon for the most part. However, a recent study has shown that heat waves generally move slower now, owing to the overall impact of climate change. This means that heat waves have not only travelled slower than they used to (about 5 days slower now than in the last decade), but they also stayed for longer (4 days longer).
These prolonged heat waves have exposed people to unbearable temperatures for longer. Countries around Asia have been coping with the sudden heat in various ways including school closures and water sprinkler trucks. Here’s a look at some countries in this region and how they have been coping.
Philippines
Most commuters in Manila rely on umbrellas against the scorching heat. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The searing heat has led the Philippines to one of the worst conditions. According to a recent report by Philippine Daily Inquirer, temperatures have been nearing 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), causing immense discomfort to not just people, but also pets and livestock. Residents of Manila have even said it was hard to breathe. With these extreme weather conditions, schools have been forced to close in fear of students suffering from extreme dehydration or even heat strokes.
Experts have not been able to predict the duration of the heat wave but the extreme weather is likely to persist until mid-May. Experts have warned residents in Metro Manila and 31 other areas of upcoming “dangerous” temperatures and have communicated the need for action from authorities to reduce the temperature by at least 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid immediate danger to children.
Bangladesh
Over the past 2 weeks, daytime temperatures in Dhaka and surrounding areas have reached 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Bangladeshi government had initially closed all schools and educational institutions after the initial onset of the heat wave. However, the government has decided to reopen schools as temperatures continue to soar, leading to the deaths of two teachers and dozens of students falling ill, according to a report by The Daily Star.
Day labourers and farmers around the country have also been working in this immense heat, or switching to working after hours, accepting lower fares for their efforts, to avoid falling ill. Mosques around the country have also been praying for relief from the heat, asking for rain.
Filipino student Daryl Siongco doing his homework at home in Quezon City, while his nanny dries his sweat, amid the warm weather on April 2. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES
Thailand
Temperatures have been rising for the past 13 months in Thailand, however, it has made records with experts predicting a heat index of 52 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). At least 30 people have died in Thailand from the sweltering heat within the first 4 months of 2024.
The situation is especially dire in Thailand’s urban city of Bangkok, where the temperature has not fallen below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), even at night. The higher temperatures have also led to record-high power usage as people reach for their cooling devices to keep the heat away.
Vietnam
While Bangladesh and Thailand have observed an increase in humidity and temperature rise, Vietnam is dealing with an extreme dry spell and intense droughts. Along with the unprecedented temperature came a struggle for rainwater that has caused many rice fields and rivers to dry up along the Mekong Delta region.
With Vietnam being one of the largest global rice exporters this long dry heat wave is expected to cause further trouble for farmers. This heat wave is said to be the longest for Ho Chi Minh City in the past 30 years.
While most experts have credited the unprecedented rise in temperatures to the El Nino phenomenon, some experts say that human-induced climate change has exacerbated its presence and impact. Keeping current trends and figures in mind, others predict that the situation will worsen, as global temperatures continue to rise.