The global impact of El Niño is steadily worsening, ushering in high temperatures and consequential phenomena like droughts and erratic rainfall, particularly during the summer months. Meteorologists have recently warned that within the next ten days, the effects of El Niño will manifest in the form of heat waves across various regions worldwide.
Countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, are bracing themselves for severe heat waves, with temperatures expected to soar to 40-45 degrees Celsius. Neighbouring nations are also likely to experience the ripple effects of these extreme weather conditions. Therefore, Myanmar must take proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the impending heat waves this summer. To this end, relevant organizations and governmental bodies must prepare comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact on the population, ensuring adequate provisions of food, clothing, and shelter during emergencies.
Regional authorities must also prioritize the management of electricity distribution, ensuring that power supply is efficiently allocated as people increase their usage during periods of extreme heat. Contingency plans should be devised to safeguard both lives and property in the event of power shortages.
Additionally, health officials must launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on how to cope with the challenges posed by El Niño. High temperatures can lead to health issues such as cardiovascular problems, strokes, and even fatalities. Therefore, it is imperative that authorities disseminate health guidelines to be issued by the Ministry of Health, advising individuals to refrain from consuming icy beverages, excessively using air-conditioning, engaging in strenuous physical activity, or making sudden movements in extreme heat. Special attention should be given to elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses, who are more vulnerable to heat-related complications.
Furthermore, the general public must remain vigilant against dehydration and prioritize rehydration with salt solutions and prescribed medications. Dietary habits should be carefully monitored, and precautions should be taken even during sporadic rainfall, such as refraining from bathing outdoors. Everyone must be diligent in navigating through the challenges posed by the impending heat waves.
Mitigating the impact of El Niño is not solely the responsibility of the government; it requires collective action from all members of society. By fostering unity and collectively adopting responsible behaviours, individuals of Myanmar can significantly contribute to preserving lives, property, and the overall well-being of humanity amidst the challenges posed by the possible high temperature of evil El Niño.
