2023 set be the hottest year on record in Myanmar

14 Sept 03:50 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar is experiencing unprecedented heat in 2023, with at least 10 cities recording temperatures above 40°C, positioning it to be the hottest year on record.
Key regions, particularly in central Myanmar, saw extreme highs, with cities like Kalewa and Nyaung-U reaching 44°C, and Tamu breaking a 40-year temperature record.
The city of Chauk was ranked among the hottest cities globally on April 21st, hitting 45.5°C, underscoring the severity of the heatwave.
The intense heat has resulted in reported heat stroke deaths, even in the capital Yangon, with frequent power outages further compounding the challenge for residents.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.