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Scorching Summers Grip Southeast Asia: Experts Warn of Deadly Heat Waves
6 Nov
Summary
- Heat waves becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and intense in Southeast Asia
- 500,000 heat-related deaths annually worldwide since 2000
- Cities like Delhi, Karachi, and Dhaka reaching human survival limits
According to a report presented on November 6th, 2025, heat waves are becoming more frequent, long-lasting, and intense in most parts of Southeast Asia. Professor Jon Samseth, President of the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), Netherlands, stated that since 2000, there have been almost 500,000 heat-related deaths annually in the world.
Recent assessments from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that cities are becoming urban heat islands in a warming world. Cities like Delhi, Karachi, and Dhaka are experiencing temperatures approaching the limits for human survival. In India, and particularly in Karnataka, this shift is being witnessed, with Mysuru, once known for its temperate climate, now recording summer highs exceeding 40°C.
The cascading effects, including water scarcity, crop failure, vector-borne diseases, and mental health stress, are deeply felt in the region. Professor Samseth warned that the most vulnerable groups are the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and urban poor. With increased temperatures and seasonal heat waves, health issues with negative impacts on humans are expected to increase in the years to come.
