Severe heat has hit Bangladesh, affecting millions of people. Schools are shut and at least five people have died of heatstroke. This is the hottest temperature recorded in decades.

Dhaka

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Bangladesh is facing a severe heatwave that has significantly affected the daily lives of its millions of residents. With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius for consecutive weeks, the country is experiencing some of the hottest weather recorded in decades. The extreme conditions have prompted the closure of schools and resulted in at least five fatalities due to heatstroke.

In Dhaka, the capital, high humidity levels are exacerbating the oppressive heat. Many outdoor workers, including rickshaw drivers, are struggling to find relief. Despite attempts to protect themselves from the sun, such as wearing cotton scarves, the intense heat remains unbearable for many. The highest temperature this month was recorded at 42.6 degrees Celsius in western Bangladesh. The usual rains of the monsoon season have not arrived, leading to dried-up rivers and a strain on agricultural activities.

Agricultural production is facing challenges, as confirmed by a study from the Agriculture Research Institute. The heat stress on plants, combined with the increased demand for irrigation, is resulting in smaller harvests. The distressing weather patterns align with global climate change trends, which include rising temperatures and an absence of expected seasonal rains.

Dhaka recently recorded its highest temperature in years, at 40.6 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists have warned that this extreme heat may continue, projecting it could last until May. The healthcare system is under pressure, with a notable increase in patients presenting symptoms such as fevers, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. This surge has led authorities to instruct hospitals and clinics to prepare for further admissions.

The environmental toll of industrial growth is also evident, with the disappearance of wetlands and trees coinciding with the sharp rise in temperature, particularly felt in urban areas. There's a surge in demand for cooling solutions such as fans and air conditioners, which has resulted in shortages and price hikes.

Studies by international organizations like the World Meteorological Organization and the World Bank highlight the broader implications of such severe weather conditions. Not only are heatwaves across Asia becoming more frequent and intense, but they also pose a risk to water security and agricultural yield, notably rice, a staple food in Bangladesh. Authorities express confidence in managing crises but acknowledge the unpredictable nature of climate change.

The adverse weather is threatening the livelihoods of countless farmers, with scientists cautioning that the continuation of these unusual weather patterns could have dire consequences.



Bangladesh swelters through record-breaking heatwave

Bangladesh has recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius and above for weeks, with no sign that the heat wave is going to end. The high levels of humidity in Dhaka are making it worse. Some of the city's rickshaw drivers are having to find innovative ways to cope. I put this on to keep cool. It's too hot outside. I cannot bear it. And this cotton scarf does not seem to help much. This provides me with some shade from the sun. The hottest temperature recorded this month was 42.6 degrees Celsius in the west of the country. Although it's monsoon season, no rain has fallen yet and rivers are drying up. A study by the Agriculture Research Institute has found harvests are smaller due to the heat stress on plants and increased demand for irrigation. Climate change does have an impact. Temperatures are increasing globally. Our study shows a gradual increase in temperatures in Bangladesh, but this year we haven't seen the usual monsoon rains in April. Dhaka has recorded its highest temperature in decades, with the mercury rising to 40.6 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists warn the extreme heat may linger until May. Authorities have asked hospitals and clinics to be prepared as the number of patients is increasing, with symptoms ranging from fevers, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. Wetlands and trees are disappearing as industrial growth accelerates and people in urban areas are feeling the heat even more. Demand for fans and air conditioners is very high right now, and there is a shortage. There is not enough stock on hand, so the prices are also increasing. In a recent study, the World Meteorological Organization noted heat waves across Asia were becoming more severe, and warned that combined with melting glaciers, the region's future water security is under threat. A World Bank study in 2021 estimated heat waves could cause a 10-15% decrease in rice yields, the staple crop in Bangladesh. If there is any crisis anywhere in the country, we can manage the situation. So far we're in control, but we don't have control over nature, and we just have to accept it. Scientists say if the unusual weather patterns continue, they could disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Tanvi Choudhury, Al Jazeera, Dhaka

Heavy rains in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul killed 39 people, with another 68 still missing, the state civil defense agency said Friday, as record-breaking floods devastated cities and forced thousands to leave their homes.

Rio Grande

Record-breaking rain hits southern Brazil

A former immigration detainee has been bailed after allegedly threatening police with a knife in Melbourne. It follows the recent violent home invasion allegedly committed by another released detainee in Western Australia Pressure is mounting on Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to be held to account.

Canberra

Pressure mounts on Immigration Minister after latest detainee incident

Mexican authorities have reportedly discovered a fourth body near the cliff site where Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson disappeared, along with their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad. The Australian family of the brothers are en route to Mexico. The bodies are yet to be formally identified.

Ensenada

Fourth body discovered in Mexico search for Australian brothers

Ukraine is eagerly waiting for Western aid as Russia racks up more victories on the battlefield. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on a visit to Kyiv gave Ukraine the go-ahead to use British weapons to strike directly at Russia.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

U.K. allows its weapons to be used on Russian soil

Canadian police have charged three Indian men with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year and said they were probing whether the men had ties to the Indian government.

Surrey

Canada police charge three with murder of Sikh leader

China has launched an uncrewed spacecraft on a nearly two-month mission to retrieve rocks and soil from the far side of the moon, the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.

Wenchang

China launches mission to far side of the moon

Britain's opposition Labour Party won a parliamentary seat in northern England on Friday (May 3) and control of several councils, inflicting heavy losses on the governing Conservatives to pile more pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

London

U.K.'s Labour claims big early win over Conservatives

Turkey has announced that it is halting trade with Israel, worth $7 billion a year, until a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid are secured in Gaza. Israel denounced the decision as breaking trade agreements.

Ankara

Turkey to stop trade with Israel until Gaza ceasefire

Media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders warned of declining government support for press freedom as it unveiled its annual world rankings on Friday, highlighting Argentina among the countries where the situation has deteriorated.

Paris

States doing less to support press freedom, says watchdog

Arizona's Democratic governor signed a bill overturning an 1864 law banning abortion, a month after the state's supreme court said the Civil War-era rule was valid.

Arizona

Arizona governor signs bill repealing 1864 abortion ban

U.S. President Joe Biden said that both freedom of speech and the rule of law must be respected in protests at college campuses over Israel's war in Gaza. In response to a reporter's question, Biden said that the campus protests had not forced him to reconsider his policies in the Middle East.

Washington

Biden breaks silence on protests at University Campuses

From suspensions to expulsions to criminal charges, college students across the U.S. involved in these pro-Palestinian protests could face life-changing consequences. Some are demanding amnesty for these protesters.

New York

More than 1,000 student protesters arrested across U.S.

English voters are heading to polling stations to pick mayors, councilors and a new lawmaker in the last electoral test for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before a national vote later this year.

Voters head to polls in last test for U.K.'s Sunak

The US State Department accused Russia of having used a chemical weapon against Ukrainian forces in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, while also announcing fresh sanctions against Moscow. In addition to the chemical agent chloropicrin, Russia also used "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC," the department said in a factsheet.

Zaporizhzhia

U.S. accuses Russia of using chemical weapons in Ukraine

There are grave concerns for Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson who are missing on a surf trip in Mexico's Baja region. The pair have failed to arrive at their accommodation and are not responding to contact from their families.

Council of the City of Sydney

Grave fears for brothers missing on Mexico surf trip

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has kept open the prospect of tax incentives in the budget as business warned that changes to foreign investment laws. It comes amid criticism that budget spending could prompt further inflation and prompt rate rises.

Government hints at further tax incentives in Budget

Colombian President Gustavo Petro says his country will break diplomatic relations with Israel. He's criticised Israel's conduct since the start of the war on Gaza. Petro requested to join South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.

Bogotá

Israel-Gaza War

Colombia ends diplomatic relations with Israel

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, pushing to get more aid into Gaza, while urging Hamas to accept a deal that would halt fighting and bring some hostages home from the enclave.

Jerusalem

Blinken pushes for sustained aid into Gaza during Israel trip

Police in Georgia fired teargas and rubber bullets at protesters demonstrating against a bill that would require organizations – including media and NGOs – that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as agents "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." The bill has been dubbed the "Russian law" by its detractors.

Tbilisi

Thousands protest against Georgia's 'foreign influence' bill

A diplomatic push is underway to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, with the U.S. exerting pressure on Hamas to agree to Israel's terms. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to attack Rafah in southern Gaza, whether there's a ceasefire or not.

Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah 'with or without' ceasefire deal

Qantas has apologised to customers after its app exposed personal passenger data. The airline blames a technical disruption and says the data breach was not a cyber security incident.

Qantas app data breach exposes customer data

The International Court of Justice has ruled against issuing emergency measures over German arms sales to Israel as requested by Nicaragua, which had argued that there was a serious risk of genocide in Gaza amid Israel’s assault on the Palestinian territory.

The Hague

ICJ rejects measures over German arms exports to Israel

New York police have entered Columbia University and arrested protesters barricaded inside a building who have been calling on the New York school to divest itself from companies associated with Israel.

Police enter Columbia University, arrest protesters

A smiling and healthy-looking King Charles returned to public duties on Tuesday (April 30) for the first time since he was diagnosed in February with cancer, paying a visit to a treatment center for the disease in London.

King Charles returns to public duties, visits cancer center

A 14-year-old boy is dead and multiple people injured after a daylight sword attack in Hainault, in east London. The alleged attacker tasered and arrested by Police shortly afterwards.

Hainault

Teenage boy killed in London sword attack

Brittany Higgins has failed in a bid to delay a defamation trial brought against her by Senator Linda Reynolds over social media posts made in July last year. Fiancé David Sharaz, also named in the case, calling for the Senator to drop the case.

SEE THE FULL STORY

Climate Crisis