YANGON, May 2 (Xinhua) -- As the mercury soars across Myanmar, people are grappling with a soaring heatwave that has battered the country, breaking temperature records in several towns.
U Aung Khin, 53, from Chauk town of Magway Region, told Xinhua on Thursday, "Here, it is very hot even in the night time. This year is hotter than last year. We have to shelter ourselves from the heat by staying under big trees."
"We also have to reduce our outdoor activities during peak temperatures," he said.
According to the EI Dorado Weather report, Chauk is listed as one of the world's hottest cities for several days.
Chauk recorded the highest-ever April temperature at 48.2 degrees Celsius on April 28 in the past 56 years for the month of April, Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported.
Ma Thiri, 38, from Nyaung-U of Mandalay Region, said on Thursday, "If I have a case that is unavoidable, I go out wearing loose clothes and hats and apply sun cream. In Nyaung-U, this year is hotter than last year."
"Some children suffered from motion sickness and vomiting due to the soaring heat. People here avoid the heat by staying inside pagodas or under big trees," she said.
The scorching temperatures have not only impacted residents' daily lives but also affected local businesses, such as bike rental services in tourist areas like Bagan, where a significant decrease in visitors has been observed, Ma Thiri said.
Nyaung-U recorded the highest-ever April temperature at 46 degrees Celsius on April 28 in the past 59 years for the month of April, Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has reported.
A Kyi, 28, from Maubin of Ayeyarwady Region, said, "It is very hot. In the periods of high temperature, I can't live in my room upstairs. I have to stay in the downstairs." "Due to the heat, now I got chicken pox," she said.
Even in urban areas like Yangon, where modern amenities are more prevalent, residents face challenges, exacerbated by frequent electricity outages.
In response to the sweltering conditions, people like U Zaw Myint, a 60-year-old man, seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces like tea shops.
"I work from here. I came here twice a day. I only go back home for lunch in the afternoon," he said.
Local media reported that people in the big cities like Yangon and Mandalay are avoiding the high temperature at air-conditioned supermarkets and tea shops. Some families are living on a hotel staycation.
On April 28, seven towns of Myanmar have experienced the hottest April day in decades, the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has reported.
According to meteorological reports, many regions across the country have also experienced high temperatures, surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in many areas in recent days.
In Myanmar, April and May are typically the hottest months as the temperature spikes before monsoon season begins. ■
