As temperatures soar to record-breaking levels in Mali, ice has become a precious commodity, even more expensive than staples like bread and milk in some areas.
Fifteen-year-old Fatouma Yattara, coping with the scorching heat in the capital city, Bamako, relies on ice cubes to preserve food and beat the heat amidst frequent power outages. However, the rising prices of ice cubes make it a costly solution, with small bags sometimes fetching prices higher than bread, a common staple.
The situation is even more dire for Nana Konaté Traoré, who now finds herself cooking every day due to the necessity of preserving perishable food in the absence of refrigeration caused by prolonged power cuts.
The power shortages, plaguing Mali for almost a year, stem from the inability of the state power company to meet the increasing demand, compounded by its significant debt. This has left many without electricity, depriving them of fans and forcing them to endure sleepless nights outdoors in unbearable heat.
The health consequences are severe, with Soumaïla Maïga from the Yirimadio district describing dizziness and resorting to dousing himself with water to cope with nighttime temperatures reaching 46C.
Since March, temperatures exceeding 48C have claimed over 100 lives in Mali, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children. Hospitals are inundated with patients suffering from dehydration and respiratory issues.
The scorching heatwave extends beyond Mali's borders, affecting neighboring countries such as Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Scientists attribute these extreme temperatures to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures.
As Malians brace for continued high temperatures, they are forced to adapt to the new normal, with outdoor living becoming a necessity to escape the stifling heat indoors. Yet, the struggle persists, with many echoing Ms. Konaté Traoré's sentiment that "It's not easy at all."
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