How Heat Waves Threaten Our Health
Dr. Sadia Khalid
Climate Activist-Lahore
Heat waves are becoming a major social and health hazard due to global temperature rise. Heat waves are extensive, days-long episodes of excessive air temperatures. The primary impact of climate change in Pakistan is increased heat waves and rising temperatures. It is expected that these changes may lead to an increase in water-borne infections and cardiac and respiratory ailments. Pakistan has experienced some of the worst heat waves in its history in recent years.
Climate change is having a significant influence in Pakistan, including increased heat exposure and heat waves that are more frequent. As the Earth’s temperature rises, the effects become increasingly severe, harming people’s communities, livelihoods, and the ecosystem.
Extreme heat caused by climate change has a wide-ranging influence on human health. Exposure to extreme heat and heat waves can cause heat-related disorders such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia. It can exacerbate certain chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, and cerebrovascular disease, as well as diabetes-related conditions.
The elderly and children are especially vulnerable because their bodies are less capable of regulating internal temperature, rendering them more prone to heat-related disorders. People with pre-existing health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are also more vulnerable to heat-related illness since high temperatures intensify their symptoms.
Extreme heat is likely to prevail across Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan for the next ten days. Some places could see temperatures as high as 51 degrees Celsius.
Meteorologists have warned that Pakistan will experience an unprecedented and perhaps devastating heatwave. The disaster management authority has designated high-risk areas, like as Umarkot, Tharparkar, and Sanghar in Sindh, and Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan in Punjab.
The first heatwave is projected to last 2-3 days, posing a significant hazard to these areas. A second heatwave is expected in late May/early June, with temperatures hitting 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) for 4-5 days. A third heatwave is forecast for the first ten days of June, hitting locations like Tharparkar andSanghar.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified areas at high risk, including Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tandoalayar, Matiari, and Sanghar in Sindh, as well as Bahawalpur and Rahimyar Khan in Punjab.
Irfan Ali (PDMA-Punjab) has given guidelines for citizens to take precautions, such as avoiding outdoor activities during high-heat hours, wearing light-colored clothing, and staying hydrated. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, and excessive travel is discouraged.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority has issued an alert regarding the repeated heatwaves and the likelihood of record-breaking temperatures in cities such as Lahore. They have urged healthcare facilities and hospitals to establish emergency medical centers and ensure that water, air conditioning, and medications are constantly available in case of an emergency.Further, the department told officials to communicate closely with all district/tehsil administrations, Rescue 1122, and disaster management authorities, and respond to any emergency immediately.
It is often quite hot in May. The Meteorological Department’s Regional Director General, MahrSahibzad Khan, stated, “But this time we are expecting temperatures to hit 50 to 51 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country. The sudden rise in temperatures has forced us to alert everyone.”
“The emergency department is overburdened,” Dr. Ahmed from Jinnah Hospital in Lahore stated. “We hospitalized an elderly patient last night after she passed out from heat exhaustion while doing shopping. Her family had no idea how quickly she could become affected by the heat. Although we’re making every effort to stabilize these patients, the sheer number of patients exceeds our capacity.”
Dr.Sania (Services Hospital, Lahore) stated, “I treated a family of five, including three young children, who suffered from the heat while traveling. The children were lethargic and exhibited symptoms of heat stroke. We had to quickly chill them down and keep an eye out for any signs of organ failure. As the heatwaves continue, incidents like these are highly reported.”
“Patients arrive with dangerously high body temperatures, dry and flushed skin, and are often confused or unconscious – all classic signs of life-threatening heat stroke that require immediate medical intervention,” said Dr. Hassan.
Rehan, a construction worker, indicated, “The heat is quite awful. I can only work for a short time before becoming dizzy and exhausted. There is no shade or water on the job site, and I’m afraid I’ll collapse from the heat.”
Muhammad, a rickshaw driver, complained, “Driving all day in this hot sun is unbearable. My skin is scorching and my throat feels dry, regardless of how much I drink. I have to take frequent breaks, but I cannot afford to miss out on valuable rides.”
Ali, a street vendor, wept as he grieved, “I must sell fruits in this scorching heatwave. If I do not work, my family will starve. But the heat is draining my strength, and I fear becoming sick.” Trembling, he pleaded, “The government should give us shelter and water at different places in the city.”
Aisha’s eyes were filled with concern as she said, “Without electricity for long hours, we can’t use fans or air conditioning to keep our homes cool.” It is harshly hot and humid, and I am worried for my old parents and little children, who have no means to escape the scorching heat. We’re all suffering terribly in this persistent heatwave.”
Global temperatures are rising due to environmental degradation. We all need to take better care of our health during these heatwaves. Stay indoors as much as you can. Drink lots of water. Wear light, loose clothing. Check on your elderly parents to make sure they are okay. Get medical help right away, if you or someone you know has signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. By taking these simple steps, we can stay safe and healthy during the extreme heat.
