City workers struggle to make a living amid scorching heat

These days, Ho Chi Minh City is enduring an intense heatwave, with daytime temperatures reaching more than 38°C.

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Between 10 AM and 3 PM, temperatures peak, and UV levels reach hazardous levels, causing skin burns.

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In the city centre, roads and buildings absorb heat, making the atmosphere even more suffocating and oppressive.

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Workers who frequently work outdoors, such as construction workers, road repairers, streetlight installers, scrap collectors, ride-hailing drivers, and street vendors, are heavily impacted by the extreme heat.

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A streetlight installer in Tan Binh district shares that, despite carrying a large water bottle, he often needs to stop by residents' homes to ask for more water as the scorching sun drains his energy and dehydrates him quickly.

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Those working at high altitudes on metal surfaces like corrugated roofs, welding, or drilling bolts suffer not only from direct sunlight but also from reflected heat, causing burning skin, excessive sweating, and flushed faces.

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Electrical workers who climb power poles and work for hours under direct sunlight need strong physical endurance to cope with the demanding conditions.

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Despite being accustomed to the harsh weather, Cao Duc Chung, an electrical worker, 28, always carries a mini fan, a large face mask, and a headscarf for extra protection. He says though the job is tough, he feels honoured to serve the community.

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Sanitation workers continue sweeping the streets even as sweat drenches their clothes.

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Amid the sweltering heat, workers cover themselves with scarves, wear wide-brimmed hats, and don gloves to shield themselves from the sun and dust.

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Scrap collectors in Go Vap District endure direct sunlight without hats to work faster and avoid hassle when transporting materials.

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Shippers and ride-hailing drivers seek shade under trees to rest, but they remain fully covered like “ninjas”. Constantly moving under the sun, they face dehydration, exhaustion, and even heatstroke.

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“Sometimes I take rides non-stop from morning until afternoon, grabbing a quick lunch while still keeping the app on. When demand slows down, I rest under tall buildings or bridges while waiting for new orders,” says Nguyen Bao Long, a ride-hailing driver, 51.

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On tree-lined sidewalks, workers take brief naps under the scorching sun, regaining energy before resuming work.

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Given the extreme weather conditions, health experts advise outdoor workers to plan their schedule wisely, stay hydrated, watch for heatstroke symptoms, , and take breaks to prevent exhaustion or collapse.

City workers struggle to make a living amid scorching heat

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