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UNPRECEDENTED HEAT WAVE IN ASIA | |
 For several days, the nations of South and Southeast Asia have been facing an exceptional heatwave, recording unprecedented levels of heat.Suspension of school activities Bangladesh has taken the decision to suspend classes in all schools and madrassas until Thursday, due to a persistent heat wave. This measure comes just after the reopening of establishments, where millions of students have returned to classes despite the high temperatures. Following an order from the High Court, all primary and secondary schools and madrasas will remain closed until Thursday to cope with this heat wave, announced Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Saifuzzaman. In the Philippines, Manila also decided to suspend face-to-face classes for two days due to the high heat in the country. This measure concerns nearly 47,000 schools, most of which are not equipped with air conditioning. The Philippines is among the countries most exposed to the effects of climate change in Southeast Asia. Last Saturday, the capital recorded a record temperature of 38.8°C, with the heat index reaching 45, according to national data. Furthermore, in Camiling, in the province ofTarlac, a temperature exceeding 40°C was recorded, setting a new national record for the year 2024. Heat records in Burma On Sunday, Burma recorded a heat record for the month of April, with a temperature of 48.2°C in Chauk, in the center of the country. This is the highest level ever recorded in 56 years, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. This heat wave is having a considerable impact on Yangon, the economic capital, where the aging electricity network struggles to power air conditioners and fans during the hot season. Power outages are common in the civil-conflict country, leaving many residents without electricity or air conditioning for hours each day. Extreme temperatures ahead on the continent In Thailand, the national meteorological agency warned the population that the mercury could reach 44.1°C in the north of Phetchabun province. In neighboring Cambodia, the Minister of Water and Meteorology warned that temperatures could rise up to 43°C in the country this week, calling on residents to be vigilant. Similarly, in northern Vietnam, temperatures ranging from 38 to 41°C are expected in the coming days, after already reaching 43.2°C last Saturday in the northern province of Nghe An. In the South Asian region, maximum temperatures in Dhaka were 4-5°C above averages over the past 30 years for the same period. India, in the middle of an electoral period, is also affected by the heat. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that persistent high heat is expected to last throughout the weekend in several states across the country, with temperatures reaching 44°C in places. |
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| Boby Dean for DayNewsWorld | |
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