As Magway Region has recently been listed among the hottest places in the world, a heat relief shelter has been opened in Yenangyoung Township to assist those who find it difficult to remain in their homes and need to escape the extreme heat, particularly elderly residents.

The Township Disaster Management Department has established the shelter at the Sasana Mandine Monastery compound in North Myoma Ward under the supervision of the Township Management and Administration Committee. Members of the committee, led by the chairman, inspected the facility yesterday morning.

The shelter has been operating daily from 8 am to 5 pm since 16 March. As temperatures have risen in recent days, around 70 elderly people have been taking refuge there. Depending on the number of visitors, an additional standby location has been prepared in advance at Basic Education High School 1.

To help reduce the effects of the heat in and around the shelter, the Township Fire Services Department sprayed water using fire engines yesterday morning. The Township Public Health Department and the Department of Traditional Medicine are providing medical check-ups and treatment for elderly visitors, while donors are offering nutritious meals, including chicken rice porridge. Relevant departments and social organizations are also working together to provide necessary assistance.

The shelter has been set up beneath the shade of a large, mature neem tree within the monastery compound to help keep temperatures down. It has been constructed using bamboo frames and roofing, with bamboo flooring and mats. Drinking water is provided in earthen pots, and electric fans and air-coolers have been installed to improve comfort. — Township IPRD/MKKS