A taxi driver from Mudoon village in Chaungzon Township, Mon State, died after queuing for petrol for several hours under extreme heat, according to local residents.
The incident occurred on March 23, when a taxi driver in his 40s waited in line for petrol from around 2:30 a.m. until midday. After returning home in the evening, he developed a severe headache and later died after his blood pressure dropped, a resident said.
“He started queuing for petrol at around 2:30 or 3 a.m. and waited until midday. After being exposed to the heat for a long time, he had a headache in the evening and his blood pressure dropped. He was taken to the hospital, but he did not survive,” a local resident said.
Petrol stations in Mon State, including Chaungzon, are currently open only from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., forcing residents to queue from as early as 2 a.m. to secure petrol.
With daytime temperatures reaching around 40°C, a health worker from Mudon Township warned that prolonged exposure to heat while queuing could be dangerous, especially for older people.
“Although official figures show around 35°C, the actual temperature feels like 40 to 41°C. People should wear protective items such as hats and long-sleeved clothing. Those over 60 should avoid queuing in the sun due to health risks,” the health worker said.
Heat-related conditions such as exhaustion, fainting and heatstroke can develop quickly and become life-threatening, the health worker added, urging people to take precautions while waiting in the sun.
Hospitals and clinics are seeing an increase in patients with heat-related symptoms, including dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Health officials also advised the public to avoid traveling between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the hot season and to stay in well-ventilated and cooler places where possible.
