– Thailand is celebrating Songkran, its traditional New Year holiday, where people splash water on each other using water guns and buckets. This marks the beginning of the hot season.
– Songkran is celebrated in many Southeast Asian countries that follow Theravada Buddhism as a way to pray for rain and wash away bad luck. However, now it is more of a raucous public celebration that lasts several days.
– This year’s celebration is raising concerns due to a record heat wave in Thailand and surrounding regions. Temperatures are expected to be much higher than usual, putting many people especially children at risk.
– The water festival usually falls at the hottest time of the year and involves large public gatherings. However, extreme heat can cause illnesses and deaths, especially among vulnerable groups.
– Climate experts warn that heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The Mekong region in particular saw temperatures 5-7 degrees Celsius higher than average recently.
– Officials are worried about risks but reluctant to curb celebrations. They advise people to take precautions like staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities if it’s too hot, and having emergency response plans for extreme heat.
Source: ApNews
