Heatwaves put millions of children in Asia at risk: UN

AFP :
Massive heatwaves across East Asia and the Pacific could place millions of children at risk, the UN warned Thursday, calling for action to protect vulnerable people from the soaring temperatures.
Global monitors have warned that 2024 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record, marked by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The Unicef data showed over 243 million children across the Pacific and East Asia were estimated to be affected by heatwaves, putting them at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
Several countries in the region are currently smoldering in the summer heat, with temperatures nearing record levels as they regularly hit over 40°C. Local forecasters are predicting steeper rises in the coming weeks.
Some Philippine schools suspended in-person classes in April, with the state weather forecaster saying temperatures could reach a “danger” level of 42°C or 43°C.
In Thailand, a temperature of 43.5°C was recorded in the northern province of Mae Hong Son earlier this week — just a few degrees shy of the record 44.6°C.