A severe heat wave is engulfing Southeast Asia, triggering health warnings and leading to the closure of schools and colleges across the region. Record-breaking temperatures have been recorded in several countries, including Myanmar, India, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.

In Myanmar, temperatures soared to a historic high of 48.2 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest April on record in 56 years. Cities like Yangon and Mandalay experienced scorching temperatures of 40 and 44 degrees Celsius, respectively.

India is also grappling with the sweltering heat, particularly in the southern state of West Bengal, where a red alert has been issued in several districts due to the intense heat wave. Two people have tragically succumbed to heatstroke in Kerala, while Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Karnataka are also experiencing extreme heat conditions.

In the Philippines, heatwave-related illnesses have surged among students, prompting the government to declare a two-day closure of government schools. The weather bureau warns of temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, and northern regions are bracing for temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with advisories urging citizens to avoid outdoor activities. Vietnam is also experiencing scorching temperatures ranging from 40.2 to 44 degrees Celsius, expected to persist until Wednesday.

Malaysia has recorded temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius for several days, prompting hot weather warnings across 16 regions. Similarly, Singapore is on track to break temperature records this year.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has been enduring a relentless heatwave for the past 30 consecutive days, marking the longest stretch of intense heat in 76 years. Seven fatalities due to heatstroke have been reported across the country in the past week, with five additional individuals hospitalized for heat-related illnesses, according to the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room of the Department of Health.

End/v7n/aj/dk