As Mali grapples with scorching temperatures reaching up to 48°C, the demand for ice has surged, surpassing even basic necessities like bread and milk in price. The relentless heatwave has pushed many Malians to extreme measures to cope with the oppressive conditions.
Fifteen-year-old Fatouma Yattara, navigating the capital city of Bamako, finds herself among those seeking respite from the sweltering heat. With power outages rendering her refrigerator useless, she relies on ice cubes to preserve food and stay cool. However, skyrocketing prices have added to her struggles, with small bags of ice now costing as much as 100 to 500 CFA francs ($0.20 to $1), exceeding the price of a standard baguette.
The situation is dire for many like Nana Konaté Traoré, who faces the challenge of cooking daily due to food spoilage caused by prolonged power cuts. With no electricity for refrigeration and limited access to cooling mechanisms, Malians are forced to adapt to the harsh realities of the heatwave.
The impact of the soaring temperatures extends beyond inconvenience, affecting the health and well-being of individuals across the country. Soumaïla Maïga, a resident of Bamako, describes the unbearable conditions, with nighttime temperatures reaching 46°C, leading to dizziness and discomfort. Hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses have surged, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The heatwave’s toll has prompted authorities to take action, including the closure of schools in some areas and advisories against fasting during the recent Ramadan period. However, the challenges posed by the extreme weather highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions to mitigate its effects.
Scientists attribute the unprecedented heatwave to human-induced climate change, underscoring the importance of global efforts to address environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. With temperatures expected to remain elevated in the coming weeks, Malians are bracing themselves for continued hardships as they adapt to their new normal in the face of climate crisis.
