El Nino, climate change contributed to Southeast Asia heat waves

El Nino, climate change contributed to Southeast Asia heat waves

2024-05-24

The effects of recent record-breaking high temperatures across Asia are far-reaching, from school closures to drought and health advisories. And while climate change is part of the problem, this year it was made worse by the cyclical weather pattern called El Nino.

For this rickshaw driver, April’s record heat in Myanmar was unbearable.

Sometimes, I have to go under the shade and rest for 10 to 15 minutes after I carry the passengers under the sun.

Not far from where he lives, the town of Chauke recorded a temperature of 48. 2 degrees Celsius - the highest ever recorded in Myanmar during April since records began 56 years ago.

Myanmar is not alone. April’s heat wave shattered high-temperature records throughout Asia, from Bangladesh to the Philippines. The record heat wave damaged crops, threatening food security, and has been blamed for dozens of deaths around the region. In Tan Phu Dong, Vietnam, the heat evaporated water supplies, leaving salty water behind.

Tran Ngoc Cuong
Resident of Tan Phu Dong
In salt water, there are generally no plants to grow. You cannot grow whatever you want. And it’s the same with livestock farming. We must have fresh water for them to drink.

A new study by the scientists at the World Weather Attribution group concluded that human-caused climate change contributed – making a heat wave 45 times more likely in parts of the continent.

The cyclical weather pattern known as El Nino, that happens when parts of the Pacific Ocean get warmer, also played a role:

Ben Zaitchik
Johns Hopkins University
That’s something that we increasingly need to adapt to as societies. And so, it means that we need to be ready for things that are more extreme than the average mean… to be ready for extremes that are reinforced by something like an El Nino.

Officials across the region have organized public awareness campaigns to protect people and issued health warnings. Governments have also set up water and cooling stations in vulnerable areas. Yet only some have developed sustainable strategies to tackle the escalating impacts of the climate crisis.

Due to the larger energy demand for cooling during the heat wave, there have been power outages, electricity rationing, and increased pressure on existing power infrastructure.

While the Monsoon season will likely bring relief from the heat wave, climate scientists warn that being ready for the next extreme heat wave will be critical.

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