Thailand’s Battle with Intense Heatwaves
Thailand is currently facing severe heatwaves attributed to climate change. The rising temperatures have been a significant challenge for the region, leading to unique rituals and mitigation efforts.
Nakhon Sawan’s Rainmaking Ritual
In Nakhon Sawan province, villagers in Phayuha Khiri District have resorted to a traditional rainmaking ritual to break the prolonged drought caused by the absence of rain for months.
- The ritual, known as “Hae Nang Meaw,” involves parading Japanese manga cat Doraemon or HelloKitty dolls instead of a real cat.
- Participants, dressed in sparkly attire, carry a tinsel-decked cage containing the stuffed toy through the village while onlookers sprinkle it with water.
- According to local belief, cats, when drenched with water, have the power to summon rainfall with their meows.
Impact of Heatwaves in Thailand
The scorching heat in Thailand has caused various challenges, including railway tracks buckling in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat due to temperatures reaching 41 degrees Celsius.
- Railway workers had to douse the rails with water to bend them back into shape, highlighting the extreme conditions faced in the region.
Mitigation Efforts and Regional Impact
Efforts to mitigate the effects of the heatwave are underway, with Deputy State Railway Governor emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures.
- Railway station managers are prepared to assist passengers and handle the heatwave situation based on forecasts.
- The impact of the heatwave extends beyond Thailand, affecting regions from Bangladesh to the Philippines.
- This exceptional warmth is partly attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, emphasizing the accelerated warming trend in Asia compared to the global average.
As communities face challenges such as strained energy grids and school closures, proactive measures are essential to address the significant impact of heatwaves.
