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Burma’s State Counsellor’s Office has released a statement on the eve of the annual Thingyan Water Festival, warning revelers about the extreme heat, requesting they dress appropriately, and advising against excess consumption of alcohol.
The warning comes as mercury rises to levels akin to baking temperatures, especially in parts of central Burma, traditionally the country’s driest and hottest region.
Temperatures of between 43 and 46 degrees centigrade (109- 115°F) are currently being felt in several central tows, including: Mandalay, Chauk, Nyaung Oo, Minbu, Gangaw, Monywa, Taung Twin Gyi, Pauk and Sin Phyu Kyun.
The statement to the public from the Office of the State Counsellor, who is the de facto leader of the country, Aung San Suu Kyi, advised:
- Wear hats and carry an umbrella when you go outdoors
- Avoid taking a shower or pouring cold water on yourself if you have just come in from the searing heat
- Avoid wearing heat-absorbing dark colours such as black or brown, and do not wear nylon or silk; instead, wear lightweight cotton clothes of white or light colours, which are not tight to your skin
- Avoid drinking alcohol to excess
- Be cautious about drinking iced water in extremely hot temperatures
Read more about the Thingyan Water Festival
