Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
HeatwavesPhoto Credits - NDTV

Rattling heat conditions have been recorded in several parts of the country since the beginning of the spring season; that is, in March this year. And now, April is set to become of the hottest months in the recent years. No wonder climate change has made heat waves more frequent and severe.

Globally, 356,000 deaths were recorded that were linked to extreme heat, in 2019 alone.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heat wave will continue till the end of April at least, on Tuesday.

As far as the forecasted temperature is concerned, in the national capital it could reach up to 45 degrees Celsius, while in some other northern regions of the country it could be slightly more than that.

Heat prone zones

Furthermore, regions like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, parts of Gangetic West Bengal, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are in the most heatwave prone areas, which often known as the Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ).

On Tuesday, some cities have been recorded the highest temperature in India-

  • Barmer- 45.1 degree Celsius
  • Brahmapuri- 44.7 degree Celsius
  • Rajgarh- 44.6 degree Celsius
  • Akola- 44.5 degree Celsius
  • Jaisalmer- 44.4 degree Celsius

How can Heatwaves affect human health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heatwaves are among the most dangerous natural hazards, yet rarely gather any attention because their death tolls and other destructions are not always immediate in nature.

how heat affects human health
credit- WHO

Extreme heat exposure has widespread physiological effects on human health, often exacerbating existing conditions, leading to premature death and disability. Some populations are more or less exposed to physiological or socio-economic physiological stress because of this. Children and elderly people are one of the most vulnerable groups of the society.

What happens when heat gain rises in the body?

The heat gain in the body could occur due to the combination of external heat, i.e., from the environment and internal heat of the body, which is generated from metabolic processes. Now, the rapid change in heat gain compromises the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in illness.

It further escalates when exposure to extreme heat results in worsening of chronic conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Solutions

  • Try to keep your body cool and hydrated; drink water regularly, wear loose- fitting clothes of natural materials like cotton. Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine.
  • Eat small meals but eat more often.
  • Hang shades or draperies on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
  • It is extremely important to drink fluids.
  • Spread awareness and get training; everyone in the family or society should know about the prevailing temperature and its consequences. Likewise, its important know the basic first-aid measures in order to treat heat emergencies like nose bleeding.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *