Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Extreme Heatwave Sweeps Across Southeast Asia, Prompting Emergency Measures

Schools close and public warnings issued as temperatures soar due to a severe heatwave exacerbated by El Niño.

Image
Image
A worker unloads an ice block at a public market in Manila on another hot day in the Philippines earlier this month. Photo: Reuters
Image

Overview

  • Extreme heat forced the suspension of classes in nearly 6,700 schools across the Philippines, with heat indices reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius.
  • Bangladesh and Thailand also affected, with citizens praying for rain and authorities issuing severe heat warnings.
  • The United Nations reports Asia as the most disaster-affected region in 2023, with climate change intensifying weather extremes.
  • Health experts urge limited outdoor activity and increased hydration to combat the heat, which poses significant health risks.
  • Record global temperatures last year signal an accelerating climate crisis, with Asia warming faster than the global average.