Record temperatures in Burma have led to an increased number of deaths among children and the elderly in Rangoon and Mandalay townships, according to social workers.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Monday, actor Kyaw Thu, who works with the Rangoon-based charity Free Funeral Services Society (FFSS), said that organization provides funerals for about 70 people a day now: “The number of deaths in Rangoon increased after the high temperatures started in April. Before April, between 40 and 50 died daily.” FFSS provides free clinic and funeral services in Rangoon. 

“Seventy-six people died yesterday,” he said. “Many are elderly and children who don't have resistance.” Kyaw Thu said that FFSS has a shortage of drivers. Some drivers provide transport seven or eight times a day. 

About 200 people die daily now at the main government public hospital in Mandalay, according to a social worker in Mandalay.

“Many patients come to the hospital and there is no accommodation for them to stay. The medics let them stay outside,” he said. “The funeral car also isn't allowed to enter the hospital area because there are crowds of people.”

One source said that some funeral service businesses have a shortage of cars and some people are using Hilux transport to carry bodies to a funeral service or cemetery. 

Due to the extreme temperatures, many people have suffered dehydration and heat stroke. Temperatures in Rangoon, Pegu and Irrawaddy divisions and in central Burma have reached three-decade record highs of up to 45 degree Celsius, according to official reports. 

The excessive heat has dried up water ponds in many villages, leading to a shortage of water for drinking and hygiene. Many communities in need have received emergency water supplies from volunteer workers.

State-run newspapers reported on Sunday that “Under the arrangements of the state, the local authorities, departments concerned, nongovernmental organizations and local people collaborate to supply adequate drinking water to the regions facing a shortage of water.” 

Sources, however, said that the regime-backed civic group, the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), has ordered organizations that provide waster relief to mark their vehicles with a USDA flag.

“USDA members stopped donors’ cars and asked them to place the USDA flag on their vehicles. If the donors don't place their flag on the car, they won't be allowed to distribute water,” said a source in Pegu.

Local authorities questioned aid workers and took photographs of people who distributed water earlier in the week, local sources said.