Overwhelming health data from around the world has shown that power cuts - especially during period of excess heat - can have profound effects on public health. Countries across the Middle East and North Africa have been battling with intense power demand as the region experiences another sweltering summer. Some countries have turned to scheduled power outages throughout August to ease the strain on ageing power grids during a sustained heatwave which shows little sign of relenting. Planned power cuts announced by the government last week will continue for the summer, with residents warned not to use elevators at certain times of day. Power cuts in Gaza, for long a regular feature of the intense Mediterranean summers, have increased this year as temperatures have stayed above average.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 29, 2023 16:55 UTC