Heatwaves — among the most dangerous of natural hazards — have a significant impact on a nation as not only does the temperature rise, but heat-related deaths also move up. However, they rarely receive adequate attention as the death toll is not always immediately obvious.
In a country that was hit by deadly floods last year and is already vulnerable to climate change, heatwave-like conditions have now begun to grip several parts of the nation and the temperature in some districts is set to rise to 47°C.
The weather authorities have also warned that areas such as Dadu, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Khairpur, and suburbs are expected to witness a maximum temperature ranging between 45°C-47°C under the prevailing climatic conditions.
“May is one of the hottest months in the country and we are expecting very warm conditions in southern parts of the country during the current heat spell,” weatherman Sardar Sarfaraz told The News.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman had earlier this month advised provincial and local institutions to take necessary precautions to safeguard public health and minimise the impact of extreme weather on vulnerable communities amid the predicted heatwave.
The South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) has also forecast that minimum and maximum temperatures in South Asia, including Pakistan, are expected to remain “above normal”, except in parts of the foothills of the Himalayas.
Deadly heatwaves killed more than 1,000 in Sindh alone in 2015, with successive weather conditions taking the lives of a number of others.
In light of the warnings, it is crucial for people to know how they can save themselves from this climate catastrophe and if they get caught, what they can do for recovery.
Who is mainly in danger?
Heat-related illness mainly affects infants, children, and older individuals (age 65 and above). Obese and overweight individuals and people with lower immunity — such as those with chronic illnesses and those on medications — are also more prone to getting affected by the heatwave.
Symptoms to look out for?
1. Raised body temperature
2. Muscle cramps
3. Dry, flaky, and hot reddish skin (absence of sweat)
4. Severe headache
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea
7. Confusion
8. Palpitations
9. Rapid breathing
10. Fainting
What should be done if this happens?
1. Call for immediate medical assistance as this is a life-threatening emergency.
2. Spray water on a person or immerse them in cool water.
3. Fan air on the person.
4. Put wet sheets or towels on the person.
Dos of a heatwave
1. Stay hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink plenty of fluids (water, ORS, lemonade, and fresh juices).
2. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing to reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool.
3. Try to remain indoors during the peak temperature part of the day (9am to 4pm).
4. Limit outdoor activity to early morning and later at night when the temperature is cooler.
5. In case outdoor work is unavoidable during hotter parts of the day, try taking a rest between tasks to cool off.
6. Avoid direct sun exposure. The use of umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses could be beneficial.
7. Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to avoid sun damage to the skin as sunburn reduces the body’s ability to maintain its temperature.
8. Gradually acclimatise your body to heat.
Don’ts of a heatwave
1. Don’t leave anyone in an enclosed space (such as parked cars) on warmer days.
2. Don’t drink caffeinated beverages as they increase dehydration.
The deaths of four Pakistanis in a boat capsizing event close to the southern Greek island of Goudos have been verified by the Foreign Office.
The incident happened on Sunday and at least five illegal immigrants drowned as a result. According to Greek Coast Guards, 39 people were rescued after the wooden boat overturned, but 40 more are still unaccounted for.
According to a Foreign Office spokeswoman, the four Pakistani nationals were among those killed in the catastrophe. In order to help the remaining Pakistanis and repatriate the corpses of the deceased, the Pakistani Embassy in Athens has been in close communication with Greek authorities, she said.
Additional information was given by Aamir Aftab Qureshi, Pakistan’s ambassador to Greece, during a press conference. According to him, there were 80 Pakistanis on board the doomed boat, and efforts are still being made to find the people who are still missing.
He added that the overcrowding on the boat was a factor in the capsizing. There are worries over the safety of the missing people because a sizable portion of them are children. He stated that five boats carrying Pakistani nationals were traveling illegally from Libya.
The public was also informed by Ambassador Qureshi that the government will pay for the return flight of the accident victims’ bodies.
Approximately 450 Pakistanis, including 250 Zaireen, have successfully crossed into Lebanon from Syria, according to the spokesperson for the Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
During her weekly briefing at the foreign office in Islamabad, she stated that Pakistan is pleased with the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on the Gaza Strip, which calls for an immediate ceasefire.
In addition, she expressed her satisfaction with the elimination of limits placed on UNRWA’s ability to carry out relief activities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
It was stated by her that Pakistan is demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine, an end to the genocide that is taking place in Gaza, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for those who are in urgent need, full support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its mandated humanitarian activities, and medical assistance for those who are in urgent need.
Moreover, she stated that Pakistan emphasises the need for the international community to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes and crimes against humanity that it has committed in occupied lands.
The Israeli aggression against Syria, the illegitimate acquisition of Syrian territory, and the massive devastation of Syrian infrastructure as well as civilian and military sites are all topics that Pakistan is extremely worried about, according to the spokesperson for Pakistan.
According to her, this attack on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a serious violation of international law to the highest degree. By expressing our support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we are also expressing our opposition to the Israeli government’s attempt to acquire territory through coercion.
The resolution 497 of the United Nations Security Council, which declares the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel to be null and illegal and to have no international legal impact, was reaffirmed by her organisation.