(CNN)A metro station in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, dimmed lights to save power, prompting some travelers to is left in some darkness. Electricity crisis in record-breaking heat.
The railway system in the southwestern city of Chengdu, with a population of about 21 million, began operating on Wednesday in "power saving" mode, turning on low-power lighting and turning on stations and train compartments. The operator said it had adjusted the temperature. in a statement without specifying how long the measure lasts.
Photos circulating on social media showed commuters waiting for trains on dimly lit platforms passing through darkened train stations. This contrasts with the bright fluorescent and illuminated advertising typical of Chinese public transport stations.
Energy-saving measures are he one of many that have been deployed amid power shortages caused by China's devastating heatwaves in 60 years.
As heat waves surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) hit dozens of cities in southwest, central and eastern China, surges in air conditioning demand are putting pressure on power grids.
A senior Sichuan official warned that Sichuan was facing "the most serious and extreme moment" in its power supply, the Sichuan Daily reported.
A commentary published by the Outlet, the state's official propaganda news department, advised government agencies not to set air-conditioning units below 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and to avoid using elevators. We ask that you keep it to a minimum and use the stairs on the lower floors.
It also encouraged sports and commercial facilities to reduce the use of lights and high-powered electrical equipment, turn off fountains, and reduce nighttime activities.
Factory closures
In the nearby city of Chongqing, authorities have ordered factories to shut down for seven days to save electricity, according to state media.
For a week from Wednesday, the Chongqing government said all factories in Chongqing should "let people power", a reference to ensuring enough power for homes. According to the quoted state media The Paper,
news.
Amid fears of power shortages, Beijing sent one of its senior government officials, Vice Premier Han Zheng, on Wednesday to tour China's state-owned power grid company and work to "prevent blackouts." He stressed the need to secure energy supplies. Xinhua news agency reported.
"Efforts are needed to strengthen coordination across the country, to ensure power supply to key regions, populations, public service sectors and key industries, and to decisively prevent power distribution." said Han.
The heat wave shows no signs of abating any time soon, and China's Meteorological Administration on Thursday issued the highest heat warning, a red heat warning, for at least 237 cities and counties across the country. A red alert is activated when the temperature is forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Another 432 cities and counties were issued the second-highest orange alert, with high temperatures around 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) predicted.
Impacts of climate change
China's surface temperature is rising faster than the global average, and the latest heat wave It is raising new concerns about the impact of global warming.
Extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent in the climate crisis man-made by the burning of fossil fuels. Several countries in the northern hemisphere are dealing with summer heatwaves and fires.
Earlier this month, China's National Climate Center said about 900 million people in the country had been affected by heatwaves since mid-June.
At least 16 people were killed after sudden heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides in northwest China on Wednesday evening, according to Chinese state media CCTV.
