A scorching heatwave in Thailand has led to the tragic loss of 61 lives, with temperatures reaching a staggering 52 degrees Celsius. The Health Ministry in Bangkok reported this alarming statistic, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Most of the fatalities occurred in the north-east region of the country, where agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. The relentless heatwave has kept nighttime temperatures around 30 degrees in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, making it unbearable for residents.
Midday temperatures, factoring in humidity and windspeed, have consistently surpassed 50 degrees, prompting authorities to advise people to limit their time outdoors. While a brief respite came in the form of rain earlier in the week, temperatures quickly rose again, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Weather experts attribute this extreme heat to the El Niño phenomenon, coupled with the alarming trend of Asia warming at a faster rate than the global average, as reported by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines have also experienced unusually high temperatures, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.
As Thailand grapples with the devastating impact of this heatwave, it serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for global action to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities from such extreme weather events.