UNICEF has sounded the alarm as East Asia and the Pacific prepare for a summer fraught with unprecedented heat, placing the lives of millions of children in jeopardy
Officials in South and Southeast Asia are on high alert as the area braces for escalating temperatures, prompting extensive health warnings and a surge of locals seeking refuge in parks and air-conditioned malls. Over the past week, an unrelenting wave of intense heat has swept across the region, pushing temperatures to unprecedented levels, with some areas reaching as high as 45° Celsius (113° Fahrenheit).
As a result, thousands of schools have been forced to close their doors, urging students to stay home for their safety. Consequently, the government took the precautionary measure of suspending in-person classes at all public schools for two days to protect students from the scorching heat.
Region Swept by Intense Heatwave
- Record-breaking Temperatures: 45°C (113°F)
- Manila’s Record: hitting 38.8°C (101.8°F)
- Extreme Heat Alert: 44.1°C (111.4°F)
Thailand has also faced significant challenges, with the number of heatstroke-related deaths reaching at least 30 this year. The meteorological department issued severe weather warnings as temperatures exceeded 44.1° Celsius (111.4° Fahrenheit) in certain regions.
A Region in Distress
Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh brace themselves for further scorching temperatures, with forecasts predicting highs exceeding 40°C in the coming days. Residents, like San Yin from Myanmar’s Yangon, express fear of venturing outdoors during the daytime, seeking solace in parks during the cooler nights to escape the stifling heat.
The relentless rise in global temperatures, compounded by climate change, exacerbates the severity and frequency of heatwaves. The United Nations weather and climate agency highlights Asia’s rapid warming pace, signifying the urgent need for climate resilience measures.
No Respite in Sight
Despite desperate attempts to cope, relief remains elusive for many. In India, severe heatwave conditions persist, reaching staggering temperatures of 44°C in certain states. The ongoing general election witnesses millions enduring sweltering temperatures as they queue up to cast their votes, prompting authorities to form task forces to mitigate the impact of heatwaves on voter turnout and health.
Heatwave in Dhaka
- Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Increase: 4-5°C (7.2-9°F) above 30-year average
- Fatalities: 7 deaths since April
- Temperatures to exceed 40°C
Bangladesh grapples with the reopening of schools amidst extreme temperatures, despite forecasts indicating a prolonged heatwave. Concerned parents, like Lucky Begum, worry about their children’s well-being, fearing heat-related illnesses.
In the capital Dhaka, the average temperatures for the past week have been 4°-5° Celsius (7.2°-9° Fahrenheit) higher than the 30-year average for this time frame.
Authorities reported that at least seven individuals have succumbed to the extreme heat since the beginning of April. Maximum temperatures in the capital are expected to persist above 40°C until Thursday.
School Closures and Nationwide Impact
Many schools lack adequate cooling systems, leaving students to suffer in poorly ventilated classrooms. Meanwhile, residents flock to air-conditioned malls and pools in search of relief from the oppressive heat.
March, April, and May typically mark the hottest and driest months in the region, exacerbated this year by the El Nino weather phenomenon. As temperatures continue to soar, communities brace themselves for hotter conditions until at least the second week of May, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive measures to combat climate change’s escalating impacts.
What are the Long-Term Solutions to Asia’s Heat Waves?
The current heat waves sweeping across Asia and the globe require immediate management to prevent loss of life. It’s crucial to prioritize communities lacking access to safe water or affordable air conditioning, ensuring their protection from the scorching temperatures. Moreover, addressing the underlying long-term factors driving these heat waves is imperative. Failure to do so may result in even more severe and disruptive heat waves in the future.
Millions of Children at Risk in East Asia and the Pacific
UNICEF has sounded the alarm as East Asia and the Pacific prepare for a summer fraught with unprecedented heat, placing the lives of millions of children in jeopardy.
Recent days have seen temperatures soar to a blistering 40° Celsius. Statistics reveal that an estimated 243 million children across the region face prolonged and intensified heatwaves, significantly increasing their vulnerability to various heat-related ailments and potential mortality.
Children, with their limited ability to regulate body temperature, are at increased risk during heatwaves, facing higher rates of heat-related illnesses like respiratory conditions, asthma, and heart problems. Extended exposure to extreme heat can also impact children’s cognitive function, potentially affecting their education. Pregnant women face elevated risks, including complications during childbirth and gestational diabetes.
In East Asia and the Pacific, high humidity levels exacerbate the deadly nature of heatwaves by hindering the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Concerns over rising temperatures have prompted proactive measures, including the suspension of in-person classes by the Philippines’ Department of Education and advisories across Southeast Asia to mitigate the risk of heatstroke by avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
As heatwaves intensify and become more frequent, cities effectively become “heat traps,” amplifying the adverse health effects on residents, especially children.
Recent UNICEF analysis highlights the Asia-Pacific region as the world’s most disaster-prone, with climate-related disasters leading to displacement, school closures, water scarcity, and health risks for children. Projections indicate that by 2050, all 2.02 billion children worldwide will be exposed to high-frequency heatwaves, underscoring the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Urgent Call to Action
To mitigate the risks posed by this summer’s heatwaves, UNICEF urges immediate action from frontline workers, parents, caregivers, and local authorities. Key recommendations include:
Prevention: Create cooler environments at home, school, or kindergarten, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, ensure children wear light, breathable clothing, and stay hydrated.
First Aid: Recognize symptoms of heat stress and administer first aid promptly, including moving individuals to a shaded area, applying cool towels or water, and providing oral rehydration salts or water as necessary. Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Community Support: Look out for vulnerable groups such as families, children with disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly, offering assistance and support during heatwaves.
In conclusion, as the region braces for an unprecedented summer of scorching temperatures, concerted efforts are needed to safeguard the health and well-being of millions of children. UNICEF’s proactive measures and urgent call to action aim to mitigate the risks posed by extreme heatwaves, ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable populations across East Asia and the Pacific.
