With the temperature rising during Thingyan in Yangon Region, social associations have helped many victims of heat exhaustion this year, according to Parahita associations.
As temperatures rose due to El Niño, there were more cases of heat exhaustion than accidents this year.
“Among the victims we helped, there were more patients with heat exhaustion. Children suffered from diahorrea. If a person drank alcohol, he felt more dizzy and even blacked out. So, it is dangerous. One small drink can make you more dizzy than usual. We had to assist those who fainted despite having a small amount of alcohol,” said Daw Shwe Le, chairperson of the Shwe Myittar Social Association.
The Thingyan revellers also avoided the hottest part of a day when they enjoyed playing in the water splashing festival and the social associations prepared to be ready if a situation arose where assistance was needed.
“Now, many revellers play water mostly in the morning and evening. Our Parahita associations are ready to provide necessary assistance. In the last few days, we have seen some patients fainting with symptoms of heat exhaustion. Some felt dizzy without drinking. It may be due to frequent wetting and drying due to intense heat,” said an official from a Yangon Parahita association.
Htet Oo Maung/ZN
