NRBC Desk—Thailand is issuing urgent warnings as scorching temperatures claim lives, with at least 30 people succumbing to heatstroke since the beginning of the year. The government's announcement comes amidst a relentless heatwave gripping the nation, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern.
In Bangkok, city authorities have sounded alarms as the heat index threatens to soar beyond 52 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit). The concrete jungle of the Thai capital baked at 40.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with similar levels forecasted for Thursday. The situation prompted the city's environment department to declare the heat index as "extremely dangerous."
Udon Thani province, situated in the rural northeast, is also bracing for blazing temperatures, prompting authorities to issue cautionary advisories.
The Health Ministry revealed a grim toll, reporting that 30 individuals have lost their lives to heatstroke between January 1 and April 17, surpassing the total count for the entirety of 2023. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of Thailand's Department of Disease Control, emphasized the importance of vulnerable groups, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to stay indoors and remain hydrated.
April typically marks the peak of Thailand's scorching weather, but this year's conditions are particularly severe due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon. Last year, global temperatures soared to record levels, with Asia experiencing rapid warming, as noted by the United Nations weather and climate agency.
The heatwave gripping Thailand is part of a broader wave of exceptionally hot weather sweeping across South and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, schools suspended classes, while worshippers in Bangladesh prayed for relief from the heat.
Nearby Myanmar is also reeling under blistering temperatures, with a high of 45.9 degrees Celsius recorded on Wednesday. The country's struggles are compounded by the chaos and conflict stemming from the 2021 military coup, leading to widespread power outages that hinder efforts to stay cool with fans and air-conditioning units.
