As much of the northern hemisphere endures record-breaking heat waves attributed to climate change, scientists say the Eastern Mediterranean-Middle East region is seeing temperatures risingalmost twice as fast the global average. In Cairo, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam captures scenes of the Egyptian capital's sweltering landscapes and struggling communities. (Captions by Elle Kurancid)
Egypt's Cost-of-Living Crisis Means Extra Suffering During Intense Heat Wave
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House fires like this one are common during the summer in crowded Cairo neighborhoods with densely constructed apartment blocks that trap heat and keep temperatures elevated all day and night. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Farawla, 15, lives without air conditioning and often suffers from summer heat rashes as related illnesses — heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and the worsening of existing medical conditions — overwhelm her community in the Egyptian capital. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Young workers and their horse seek relief from the 104 degrees Fahrenheit heat in the polluted but easily accessible Mariouteya canal, near Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Ramadan, 65, a fan repair technician, says his business volume this summer is "the highest I've ever seen since I started this job 20 years ago. Many are opting to fix their old fans," instead of buying new ones during this time when Egyptians are dealing with a steep rise in the cost of living. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
