Cambodia has attributed a deadly ammunition warehouse explosion that killed 20 soldiers to a combination of faulty munitions and the intense heatwave currently gripping Southeast Asia. The explosion, which occurred on Saturday in Kampong Speu province, also destroyed an office building, nearby barracks, and affected 25 homes.
The country's defense ministry stated that the incident was a "technical issue" caused by old and faulty weapons, as well as the hot weather. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his shock and condolences, announcing that the government would cover funeral expenses and provide compensation to the families of the victims.
The explosion is believed to have been triggered by the extreme heat, with temperatures in Cambodia expected to reach up to 43C (109.4F) in the coming days. The heatwave has been affecting several countries in the region, including Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
In Thailand, 30 people have died of heatstroke so far this year, compared to 37 in the whole of 2023. In the Philippines, half the country is experiencing a drought, with temperatures reaching record highs in several areas. Bangladesh has been forced to suspend classes, affecting 33 million students.
The heatwave has also raised concerns about the impact of climate change, with one expert attributing the excessive heat to climate change and the powerful El Niño weather system in the western Pacific. Unicef has warned that over 243 million children across eastern Asia and the Pacific are at risk of heat-related illnesses and death.
The incident in Cambodia highlights the need for countries in the region to take measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave and address the underlying issues of climate change. The government's response to the explosion, including providing compensation to the families of the victims, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens in the region.
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