Making a living in the scorching heat.

Temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City remain consistently high. The stifling heat radiating from the streets makes it difficult for many laborers to cope in order to make a living.

At 10 a.m. on April 10th, the scorching sun enveloped Ho Chi Minh City. This was also the peak time for delivery drivers and ride-hailing motorbike drivers to deliver goods and transport passengers.

Working hard to maintain income.

Observations along the roads in Binh Trung, An Khanh, Phuoc Long, Tang Nhon Phu, Thu Duc, and Linh Xuan wards show that everyone, from people riding motorbikes to those working as ride-hailing drivers, is fully equipped to protect themselves from the sun. Long-sleeved sun-protective jackets, thick face masks, sunglasses, gloves, and socks have become commonplace. Many people also wrap scarves around their necks and faces to minimize direct exposure to sunlight.

Mr. Truong Giang (a ride-hailing motorbike driver) said that the hot weather makes his work more difficult, but he has to work hard to maintain his income. "These past few days, driving on the road has been very tiring. I have to equip myself with a thick face mask, long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses to protect my health. In addition, I also have to equip my phone with a protective cover to prevent it from overheating," Mr. Giang said.

Ride-hailing drivers and passengers are completely covered up to avoid the harsh sun. Photo: HUYEN TRAN

Observations in Tan Thoi Hiep ward show that the harsh weather makes earning a living even more difficult. At an outdoor parking lot, Mr. Van Hung (a parking attendant) said that his work area has no permanent roof, only a small umbrella to temporarily reduce the sun's heat. "During peak times like this, with both sun and heat, even with some covering, it only protects against the sun, but the heat is still unavoidable. Lately, I feel more exhausted than usual after work, but I have to try my best to complete the job," Mr. Hung shared.

Struggling to find shade

Between 12 PM and 1 PM, traffic in wards like Saigon, Ben Thanh, and Chanh Hung was quite light due to the intense heat. In the wards of the former Binh Thanh district, the midday sun felt like it was shining directly overhead, but the shade from the trees wasn't enough to provide adequate protection.

Feeling the harshness of the heat, Duy Khang (a resident of Binh Loi Trung ward) said: "Even though I was wearing a jacket and a face mask while walking on the street, my skin still felt burning hot from the sun."

To avoid the sun and escape the heat, many people are also trying to limit going outside at noon or change their work hours. Large trees along the roads become a place of shade and refuge for outdoor workers. In parks, many people sit on benches, holding bottles of cold water, constantly wiping away sweat to alleviate the oppressive heat. Some motorbike taxi drivers take advantage of the shade to rest during their lunch break. Sunscreen jackets and helmets are used to cover their faces. The number of people gathering in parks increases at noon as many seek refuge from the heat.

At air-conditioned cafes, convenience stores, and supermarkets, the number of people seeking refuge from the heat also increases at lunchtime. Many people take advantage of the opportunity to buy refreshing drinks, sit down for a short break, and wait for the sun to subside before continuing their work. Some freelancers also choose air-conditioned places for a short rest before returning to work.

Ms. Lam Nghi (a resident of Chanh Hung ward and a bank employee) said that despite the hot weather, there are days when she and her colleagues have to travel to many locations to find and serve customers. Therefore, after lunch, she and her colleagues often go to air-conditioned cafes or convenience stores near their workplace to rest.

Regular hydration is necessary.

According to Dr. Chu Thi Dung from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius combined with work pressure make delivery drivers and ride-hailing drivers susceptible to heat-related health disorders. This condition often develops subtly and is therefore easily overlooked.

Dr. Dung explained that the body maintains its temperature through vasodilation and sweating. When hot weather persists and insufficient water intake is maintained, this mechanism becomes less effective, leading to dehydration, reduced circulating volume, and affecting blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, and other vital organs. Initially, workers may experience fatigue, dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and decreased concentration, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. If the condition persists, workers may suffer from heat exhaustion with symptoms such as profuse sweating, extreme fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. In severe cases, it can progress to heatstroke, manifested by high body temperature, hot and dry skin, and altered consciousness.

To prevent this, Dr. Dung recommends regular hydration, not waiting until thirsty to drink, about 150-250 ml every 20-30 minutes. When sweating heavily, replenish electrolytes; limit drinks high in caffeine or sugar. Note that organizing work time appropriately, reducing intensity from 11 am to 3 pm, and interspersed with short breaks in shady places helps the body recover. Long-sleeved, light-colored clothing made of breathable materials, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective eyewear help reduce heat and UV absorption.

Dr. Dung emphasized the importance of early recognition of abnormal signs. When experiencing dizziness, nausea, cramps, or extreme fatigue, it's necessary to stop working, move to a cool, well-ventilated area, and rehydrate. Severe symptoms such as altered consciousness, hot, dry skin, and decreased sweating require immediate medical attention. Proactive prevention helps protect health and ensure safety for both workers and the community.

H. Yen

According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, the heatwave in Southern Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular will continue for several more days, with temperatures commonly ranging from 35-37 degrees Celsius, and exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in some areas. Actual outdoor temperatures may be 2-4 degrees Celsius or more higher than forecast, depending on surface conditions.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/muu-sinh-giua-ngay-nang-nong-196260410194754208.htm