'Severe Heat' Already Surpasses Last Year's Death Toll... This Country with 50°C Feels-Like Temperature in May

The number of deaths from heatstroke in Thailand, where the heatwave continues, has surged to about 61.

Yonhap News reported on the 11th, citing the Bangkok Post and AFP, that the Thai Ministry of Public Health announced on the previous day (local time) that the number of heatstroke deaths recorded since the beginning of this year is 61. This is nearly double the total heatstroke deaths of 37 recorded last year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

As of the 24th of last month, Thailand had recorded 30 heatstroke patients, meaning the number nearly doubled in about two weeks.

The highest number of deaths occurred in the northeastern region, which is the agricultural hub of Thailand. Last month, the northern Thai province of Lampang recorded a temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. With a heat index exceeding 50 degrees, heatwave warnings were frequently issued even in the capital, Bangkok.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) stated that although the rainy season has begun, the risk of heatstroke remains in several areas and urged people to refrain from outdoor activities during the day. Generally, April to May is the hottest period in Thailand throughout the year, but recent El Ni?o phenomena have intensified the heatwave damage.

Recently, Southeast Asia has experienced heatwaves with heat indices reaching 50 degrees Celsius, resulting in fatalities. The record-breaking heatwave has also affected power supply, raising concerns about power shortages across Southeast Asian countries. Typically, March to May is the hottest season in Southeast Asia. However, this abnormal high-temperature phenomenon is attributed to the El Ni?o effect, which causes elevated sea surface temperatures near the equatorial Pacific.

Chinese tourists visiting Wat Arun Buddhist Temple, a tourist attraction in Bangkok, Thailand, are cooling off with handheld fans. [Photo by Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

In the Philippines, the heat index is approaching 47 degrees Celsius, leading to nationwide school closures. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), on the 27th, the capital Manila recorded 38.8 degrees Celsius, and northern regions of the Philippines saw temperatures rise to 39.2 degrees Celsius.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated, "Due to the extreme heatwave, the demand for air conditioning has surged, causing an overload on the power system," and added, "Power shortages may occur in some parts of the Philippines."

Vietnam is also experiencing ongoing heatwaves. According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), nationwide temperatures recently rose to between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius, with some areas recording a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius.

The state-owned power company in Vietnam warned that power consumption has recently hit record highs due to the heatwave. It also noted that the water levels in hydropower reservoirs in the northern and central regions are low, posing a risk of power shortages. The Vietnam Meteorological Agency forecasts that the heat will continue until May. After May, as the heat subsides, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and hail.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced in a report released last month that the rate of warming in Asia last year was faster than the global average, and sea surface temperatures reached record highs.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.