Heatwave in Myanmar: sudden deaths and health emergencies

Heatwave in Myanmar: sudden deaths and health emergencies
Published 9 April 2024

The rising temperatures in regions like Mandalay, Pyi, and Yangon have led to alarming consequences. Locals report an increase in haemorrhagic strokes, fainting incidents, and high fevers due to the intense heat.

At Mandalay’s Zegyo Market, a woman suddenly blacked out. Swift action was taken, rushing her to the hospital, but tragically, she passed away en route.

Earlier that morning, the victim had been shopping at Zegyo Market when she unexpectedly lost consciousness. Concerned bystanders sought assistance from the Mani Sala Social and Rescue Association.

Upon her arrival at the Out Patient Department in Mandalay General Hospital, the woman was pronounced dead. The association is now diligently working to identify the deceased.

In the Bago Region, cases of difficulty in breathing, heat stroke, and unconsciousness have surged, according to the Myanmar Social Rescue Team (Pyi).

An unidentified official from the team reports a significant increase in heat stroke patients, many of whom are elderly individuals suffering from suffocation and unconsciousness due to the extreme heat.

Recently, the Myanmar Social Rescue Team (Pyi) responded to a man who lost consciousness while driving on Aung San Shwe Leik Pyar road in Pyi Township on the evening of April 8.

Additionally, the team transported two patients experiencing unconsciousness and difficulty in breathing to relevant hospitals in Pyi Township today.

"Similarly, a man suddenly lost consciousness at a bus stop near Yangon Railway Station in Mingala Taungnyunt township around 11 a.m. on April 3. The Lin Let social and rescue association promptly assisted in transporting him to Yangon General Hospital.

On April 4, another patient, overcome by the heat, was also taken to Yangon General Hospital, as reported by the Ahlon Township Red Cross Association.

According to statements from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), several cities have recently set new heat records. Eldorado Weather reported on April 8 that Chauk, Minbu, Naung-U, Magway, and Mandalay cities in Myanmar are among the world’s top 10 hottest cities."

The DMH reports a significant rise in daytime temperatures on April 5. Chauk experienced scorching temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius, while Myingyan, Nyaung-U, Tada Oo, Minbu, Magway, Aunglan, and Taungtwingyi recorded highs of 44 degrees Celsius.

Remarkable day temperatures were recorded across various locations in Myanmar. Chauk saw a scorching 46 degrees Celsius, while Myingyan, Nyaung-U, Tada Oo, Minbu, Magway, Aunglan, and Taungtwingyi experienced temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Sagaing, Mandalay, Meikhtila, Sinphyu Kyun, and Pyi registered temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius.