Thailand faces longest heatwave in 65 years

Filepix of a Thai child enjoying his swim in a canal amid sweltering heat in Bangkok - EPA

BANGKOK: Authorities in Thailand have urged the public to stay indoors and drink more water to cope with the hot weather as the country faces its longest heatwave in the past 65 years, with average temperature rising above 40 degrees Celsius in many regions in April.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the average temperature nationwide has surpassed alert levels and the heatwave is expected to continue, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

In April, the average temperature in many regions rose above 40 degrees Celsius and even up to 44.3 degrees Celsius, VNA reported.

Authorities also reminded people of the risk of drowning as children flock to beaches, ponds and lakes to swim amidst the hot weather.

Since the beginning of this month, as many as 135 children in Thailand have drowned. - Bernama