Cambodia Blames Heatwave for Deadly Ammo Blast
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(BBC) Cambodia attributes a deadly ammunition warehouse explosion to a combination of faulty munitions and intense heat, with temperatures reaching up to 43C. Twenty soldiers died, and nearby structures were damaged, leaving 25 homes affected. Rejecting claims of soldier misconduct, officials point to aging weapons and extreme weather. Prime Minister Hun Manet promises compensation for victims' families and injured soldiers.
The incident reflects a broader regional struggle with hot weather, affecting countries like the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Experts warn of increased risks to over 243 million children in the region due to heat-related illnesses, attributing the heatwave to climate change and El Niño effects.