The northern and central provinces of Vietnam are experiencing a severe heatwave, with some areas experiencing exceptionally intense heat. Many areas are recording temperatures of 39-40°C, with some places exceeding 40°C. This prolonged heatwave is significantly impacting the daily lives, work, and health of the people.
Enduring the heat
In Hanoi , the "urban heat island" effect, along with the heat rising from the asphalt and concrete surfaces, makes the air stifling from early morning. By midday, outdoor temperatures in many areas rise sharply, creating a distinctly sweltering sensation.
Many streets in the capital were emptier than usual. Those who had to go out were heavily covered with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and face masks.
Pulling his motorbike into the shade under the Nguyen Chi Thanh overpass, 34-year-old Nguyen Van Hung, a ride-hailing driver, sweat dripping down his face, shared: "Driving at this time of day is like being in a steel furnace. The seat is scorching hot, and after one trip, I'm drenched in sweat and dizzy. But for the sake of making a living, if I don't drive, I won't have any income."
Tran Minh Tuan, a food delivery driver, said that the hotter the weather, the more orders there are because people are reluctant to go out. However, drivers can't drive continuously. "I know it's extra income, but it's very tiring. After a few trips, we have to find shade or go into a convenience store with air conditioning to drink cool water to avoid heatstroke," Tuan said.
Not only drivers and delivery workers, but also many freelancers, construction workers, and street vendors have to endure the scorching heat. At the Me Tri reservoir construction site on To Huu Street, despite the intense sun, workers are still diligently working.
Le Huy Linh, 30, a worker at the construction site, said that to cope with the harsh weather, the site prepares drinking water and protective gear to shield from the sun; at the same time, workers proactively start work earlier, from around 5 am, to avoid working during the hottest part of the day.
The hot weather has also led to a sharp increase in demand for cooling devices such as air conditioners and evaporative coolers, raising concerns about overloading the power grid. Although the electricity sector advises saving electricity, some areas still face the risk of localized power outages due to high load demand. "My electricity bill will probably increase significantly this month," worried Nguyen Thi Van, 29, a resident of Linh Dam urban area.
Preventing heat-related illnesses
Prolonged, intense heat negatively impacts public health, especially for the elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses. At several major hospitals in the North, such as Bach Mai, Central Children's Hospital, Central Geriatric Hospital, Thanh Nhan Hospital, and Saint Paul Hospital, the number of patients seeking treatment during hot weather tends to increase, mainly due to heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypertension, stroke, and respiratory infections.
According to Mr. Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health , prolonged intense heat can cause many health problems such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, heat shock, stroke, etc. Mild symptoms may include fatigue, thirst, dizziness, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, palpitations, and muscle cramps. Severe symptoms may include severe headaches, progressively worsening shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, convulsions, fainting, coma, cardiovascular collapse, and even death.
The Department of Disease Prevention recommends that when someone shows signs of health problems due to heat, they should be quickly moved to a cool, well-ventilated place; their outer clothing should be loosened or removed; and their body should be wiped with a cool towel or covered with cool water and then dried.
In severe cases, call emergency services (115) or quickly take the victim to the nearest medical facility. During transport, continue applying cool compresses to the victim.
The Ministry of Health advises people to limit outdoor activities during intensely hot days, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. When working outdoors, people should take precautions, rest properly, and drink water frequently. People should wear light-colored, breathable, sweat-wicking clothing; increase their intake of green vegetables and fruits, include soup in their meals; and drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day, divided into several small portions.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gong-minh-duoi-chao-lua-hon-40c-post858917.html
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