Browsing: heat

Following the deaths of at least 1,300 people at this year’s hajj, the health of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia has become a critical issue. Witnesses and experts say a combination of scorching temperatures and difficulties with crowd control made the sacred event disorienting and dangerous. These pilgrims lack access to essential facilities like air-conditioned buses and tents. Consequently, they must endure long walks under the scorching sun without adequate protection. This situation highlights significant health risks associated with unregistered Hajj participation.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has cautioned Indonesian citizens against attempting Hajj without the correct visa, as Saudi authorities reject thousands of unregistered pilgrims worldwide ahead of the pilgrimage starting next week.

The sweltering heat of the sun, heightened by the ongoing effects of climate change, poses significant health risks, as warned by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

In a relentless surge of scorching temperatures, Southeast Asia faces an unprecedented heatwave that is disrupting lives and livelihoods. Malaysia mourns the tragic heat-induced death of a three-year-old child, the second heat-related death this year. Meanwhile, Vietnam grapples with devastating agricultural droughts caused by the heatwave, and the Philippines sees schools close as temperatures hit a staggering 42 degrees Celsius.

The Philippines is currently experiencing a scorching heatwave, with the state weather bureau raising alarms over “danger” level heat indexes reaching up to 51 degrees Celsius in nine critical areas.

We spoke to Dr Mark Yap, a family physician on heat-related conditions and ways to manage our health during this heat wave.

Temperatures continue to soar in Southeast Asia, as metropolitan cities like Bangkok, Manila and Singapore reach record temperature highs. The heatwave sweeping Southeast Asia is resulting in serious cases of heat injuries, and in this article, we speak with locals and medical professionals on how to cope.

Read about the health risks and economic impact of extreme heat in the Philippines, including heat-related illnesses. Learn about the signs of heat stroke.