Street vendors in Mali's capital of Bamako are facing a dire situation as an unprecedented heat wave sweeps across the region, causing a surge in fatalities. The scorching temperatures, reaching as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit), have taken a toll on the population, with reports of over 100 deaths in just the first four days of the month at Gabriel-Touré Hospital.
The extreme weather conditions have particularly affected the elderly population, although exact statistics are unavailable due to restrictions imposed by the country's military rulers. The Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre estimates that the death toll from the heat wave could be in the hundreds, if not thousands.
Children in Mali are also at risk, with 1 million under the age of 5 facing acute malnutrition due to various factors, including the ongoing political instability and limited access to humanitarian aid. The situation is further exacerbated by the recent surge in illnesses among children, such as meningitis and diarrhea.
To mitigate the impact of the heat wave, Mali's military rulers have implemented measures such as shortening the school day and adjusting working hours. However, many residents, like 25-year-old driver Amadou Coulibaly, are forced to choose between their health and earning a living.
The economic repercussions of the heat wave are also evident, with foreign investors leaving Mali and businesses struggling due to power cuts and fuel shortages. Despite the challenges, individuals like 30-year-old welder Somaila Traoré continue to work under difficult conditions to meet deadlines.
An analysis by the World Weather Attribution highlights the role of human-induced climate change in exacerbating extreme weather events like the current heat wave in Mali. The study warns that without significant global action to address climate change, such events will become more frequent and dangerous in the future.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further escalation of extreme weather events.
