Heat Wave Grips Bangladesh, Disrupting Education and Daily Life
Classes are canceled across Bangladesh due to searing heat, leaving students like Mohua Akter Nur struggling to cope with the soaring temperatures at home.
Impact on Students
Millions of students were instructed to stay home this week as Bangladesh experiences one of its most severe heat waves on record, with temperatures exceeding the long-term average by 4-5 degrees Celsius.
Challenges Faced
With few schools in the capital city of Dhaka equipped with air conditioning, conducting classes becomes impractical during such extreme heat.
Struggles at Home
For students like 13-year-old Nur, studying at home is a challenge as the lack of adequate cooling facilities makes it unbearable. The scorching heat, coupled with power outages, adds to the discomfort.
Community Response
Residents across the country seek relief from the oppressive heat by gathering in mosques and fields, praying for respite. Authorities plan to reopen schools on April 28, anticipating a slight decrease in temperatures.
Climate Change Impact
Scientific research indicates that climate change is contributing to longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves. The United Nations highlights Asia as the region most affected by climate-related hazards.
Health Concerns
The extreme heat has led to health issues, such as an increase in diarrhea cases due to higher temperatures and salinity levels in water sources.
Community Struggles
Low-income families, like Nur’s, endure the heat with limited resources, while adults seek shelter indoors to escape the intense conditions.
Personal Testimony
“The heat is so intense that it’s tough to be out driving in these conditions,” said Mohammad Yusuf, reflecting the sentiments of many residents facing the extreme heat.
