Yangon residents are facing soaring temperatures and frequent power outages that take a toll on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children. This has resulted in adverse health effects, with increasing cases of illness, residents report. 

“At night, power outages prevent me from sleeping well due to the oppressive heat. I have to wake up early for work, where I must exert extra effort due to the heat. We find ourselves growing more exhausted with each passing day,” said a factory worker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, from Yangon’s industrial area of Shwepyitha Township.

A Hlaing Township resident, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, highlighted the struggle faced by those living in cramped apartment buildings. “My son is feeling unwell. There are also many patients queuing at the clinic,” she added. Meteorologists have recorded daytime temperatures in Yangon reaching as high as 39 degrees celsius, with forecasts indicating a further increase over the coming days.

Yangon residents have reported power outages occurring every four hours daily, with frequent disruptions overnight.