Yangon’s Battle with Extreme Heat
As the sun sets on another scorching Yangon day, residents seek refuge in the city’s parks, the coolest spots during power blackouts.
Heatwave Grips Southeast Asia
A wave of exceptionally hot weather has hit Southeast Asia, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to the suspension of in-person classes in thousands of schools.
Challenges Faced by Myanmar’s Outdated Grid
Even before the disruptions caused by the military coup in 2021, Myanmar’s outdated electricity grid struggled to cope with the hot weather, leaving many without access to cooling systems.
Impact on Daily Life
Infrastructure attacks and depleting gas reserves have worsened the situation, forcing those without generators to endure hours of intense heat daily.
Seeking Relief in Parks
For many of Yangon’s eight million residents, relief from the heat comes only at night in the city’s parks, where natural shade and cool breezes provide respite.
Community Resilience
Residents, like Mya Aye, flock to parks when the power goes out, highlighting the community’s resilience in the face of challenges.
Impact of Heatwaves
Across Myanmar, temperatures have soared above average, with some regions experiencing record-breaking heat, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.
Global Trends in Rising Temperatures
Last year saw record high global temperatures, with Asia experiencing rapid warming. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves underscore the urgent need to address climate change.