Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Severe Heatwave Grips South and Southeast Asia, Affecting Millions

Schools close and public health is threatened as temperatures soar across the region, exacerbated by climate change and El Nino.

A man rests on a cycle rickshaw during a heat wave in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.
A man wipes his face during a hot day in New Delhi on April 21, 2024.
A man carries ice on his bicycle in Mumbai, India on Sunday, April 14, 2024.
A taxi driver is drinking water at the taxi stand during the heat wave in Kolkata, India, on April 21, 2024.

Overview

  • Millions in South and Southeast Asia face dangerous heat with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, leading to school closures and public health concerns.
  • In the Philippines, historical sites resurface as droughts lower water levels, while half of the provinces face severe dry conditions.
  • Bangladesh and India experience significant disruptions; schools close and voter turnout is affected by the intense heat.
  • Climate change and the El Nino phenomenon are linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, impacting the region severely.
  • Authorities across affected countries issue heat warnings and take measures to mitigate the impact on public health and safety.