Extreme weather causes damage across several Asian nations

Multiple Asian countries are facing severe impacts from extreme weather events, including wildfires, intense heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.

In Indonesia, spreading wildfires in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java have forced the closure of the Mount Bromo tourist area. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) attributed the heightened risk to a prolonged dry season and El Niño effects. Over 107,000 hectares of land in Indonesia have burned during the first half of this year.

South Korea is experiencing significant heatwave-related health issues, with 203 new cases reported on August 9, bringing the yearly total to 3,090. Additionally, rising water temperatures in the Han River in Seoul have prompted increased monitoring for algae growth and water quality.

In the Philippines, southwest monsoon winds and tropical cyclones have affected over 380,000 people across eight regions. The weather has resulted in at least six deaths, seven injuries, and significant damage to 148 homes due to landslides and flooding.

Hong Kong recorded a record-breaking high temperature of 36.9°C on August 9, the highest since data recording began in 1884. At the Sheung Shui monitoring station, temperatures reached 39.8°C.