Severe heatwave death toll climbs to 34 in under 2 months in Thailand

THE Public Health Ministry in Thailand said 34 people have died from heat-related illnesses in under  two months amid the El-Nino heatwave that has struck the country.

 

The official figures were released by the ministry on Saturday revealed the number of deaths from the beginning of March until April 22.

 

The sweltering heat, according to a report in Coconuts Bangkok, is expected to continue for the remainder of the week as the the Meteorological Department has predicted that the rainy season could begin on May 15.

 

Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Sophon Mekthon reminded the public to remain indoors and to avoid outdoor activities to prevent heat exhaustion.

 

He added that everyone should drink at least one litre of water hourly, even if they were not thirsty.

 

Earlier this month, the AFP reported that the El-Nino cycle, which began last year, is expected to dissipate in the middle of this year and would be replaced by the La Nina phenomenon, which brings with it a high potential for flooding in the region.

 

Last year, 56 people had succumbed to the heatwave, the bulk of which were laborers and those involved in outdoor activities.

 

The average peak temperature each day in April was above 40 degrees Celsius, with the mercury spiking one day to 44.3 degrees Celsius – just short of the all-time record.

Courtesy of asiancorrespondent.com

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