Millions of people in South and Southeast Asia endured exceptionally hot weather on Thursday, with the Thai government reporting that heatstroke has killed at least 30 people this year.
A wave of unusually hot weather hit the region this week, forcing thousands of schools across the Philippines to cancel in-person lessons.
An Indian minister blamed scorching weather for fainting during an election campaign address, while the country’s weather bureau predicted severe heatwave conditions in nine eastern and southern states in the coming days.
On Thursday, temperatures in Nepal’s southern plains rose, prompting health warnings and hospital alerts.
As per scientific research, climate change is causing heatwaves to last longer, occur more frequently, and be more powerful.
The United Nations announced this week that Asia would be the region most affected by climate and weather hazards in 2023, with floods and storms being the leading causes of casualties and economic losses.
Bangkok authorities issued an extreme heat warning as the heat index was forecast to exceed 52 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit).
Temperatures in the concrete sprawl of Thailand’s capital reached 40.1C (104.2F) on Wednesday.
Bangkok’s environment department warned that the heat index, which measures how hot it feels based on humidity, wind speed, and other factors, was at an extremely dangerous level.
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