As the Ministry of Water resources and Meteorology warns that temperatures will exceed 40 degrees Celsius, the Ministry of Health has issued vital advisories.
Particularly vulnerable groups, including the elderly, infants, and those with chronic conditions like heart disease and respiratory infections, face heightened risks due to the scorching weather.
Amid these concerns, Hem Sinareth, director of the Education, Youth, and Sport Department in Phnom Penh, has emphasised the challenges schools are facing in combating the heat.
“Some schools which are financially capable of doing so have installed misting systems to help mitigate the heat on their premises,” Sinareth noted, during a departmental meeting on heat wave impacts on children.
He highlighted the disparity in resources, pointing out that many schools lack the funds for such systems, which are also water-intensive.
Sinareth disclosed plans for departmental teams to visit schools, particularly in suburban areas with substantial daytime student populations, to assess conditions and explore potential interventions.
This initiative reflects the urgency of addressing educational environments, with the current heat wave expected to persist into late May.
In response to inquiries about the possibility of equipping each classroom with cooling systems, Sinareth expressed concerns about potential misunderstandings among parents if not properly communicated by school administrations.
He urged schools to adopt practical measures to reduce heat on their premises.
The health ministry’s guidelines, released on April 28, stress the importance of using water and electricity wisely and maintaining stringent health and safety practices during these extreme weather conditions.
A focus has been placed on the consumption of clean and safe water.
“Drinking contaminated water can lead to severe health issues, including diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever. These conditions are exacerbated by the heat and can be fatal if not addressed promptly,” the advisory warned.
Residents are advised to drink more than 2 litres of clean water each day, while practicing conservation of water and electricity to maintain adequate supplies for the community.
An emphasis is also placed on maintaining hygiene, with regular hand washing recommended, particularly before meals and after using the bathroom, along with ensuring proper food storage.
To protect against the sun, the ministry recommends wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and to use wide-brimmed hats or umbrellas.
Limiting time spent in direct sunlight and finding shade are also advised. Special attention should be paid to the elderly, the very young, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
It is also important to keep all electrical devices in good working order and minimise the use of large appliances like stoves and ovens that can raise indoor temperatures.
These measures are essential to prevent heat-related health risks and ensure community safety during the ongoing heat conditions.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has also advised factory owners to implement precautions during the current heat wave.
Business owners are directed to improve ventilation by opening windows and doors and adding fans, provide ample clean drinking water, and encourage workers to drink at least 2 litres daily.
Additionally, spraying water on roofs at least twice a day and regular temperature checks within the workplace are recommended, in order to ensure a safe working environment.
The next three days’ weather forecasts in Cambodia, according to the meteorology ministry, will show a consistent pattern of high temperatures across the country.
On April 29, much of Cambodia will experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with predominantly sunny skies, although some regions saw partly cloudy conditions.
On April 30, little change was expected, with high temperatures persisting and similarly clear skies across most areas.
Moving into May 1, the heat is tipped to continue, with some cloud cover beginning to appear in the forecast, indicating a slight chance of rain for some regions.
The Ministry of Health will continue to update the public on safety measures through various platforms, including the CDC website.
In case of an emergency, the public should contact the ministry on its free 115 hotline.