Pakistan

How to save yourself from a heatwave?

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

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.

School students drink watermelon juice amid hot weather in Karachi, on May 15, 2023. — INP

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.

A boy dives into a water pond as hot weather hits Hyderabad, on May 15, 2023. — INP

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.

3. Don’t exercise outdoors during peak sun hours.

Latest News

Rainfall throughout the night stops flights in Lahore.

Published

17 hours ago

Farwa

Allama Iqbal International Airport experienced many hours of flight disruption due to the intense rainfall and windstorms that occurred overnight in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.

Aviation sources claim that because of the monsoon weather, the flight operation was unable to operate between 3 and 4 am.

It is possible that the planes will arrive at the airport at 4 am.

Amidst delays in foreign airline flights, three aircraft made landings in Multan and Peshawar.

Riyadh flights arrived in Peshawar Airport, while flights scheduled to land in Lahore in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain ended up landing in Multan Airport.

Seven hours later than scheduled, the Qatar Airways flight from Doha arrived in Lahore.

Because of the bad weather, there are delays in the arrival and departure of numerous international planes.

Latest News

Changes to Pakistan’s Test team could be significant for the Bangladesh series.

Published

17 hours ago

Farwa

Major changes to Pakistan’s team are anticipated ahead of the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh, sources in Lahore have revealed.

As the team gets ready for the series, meetings with the players are planned for next week.

It is predicted that the Test squad would undergo several changes. The team’s lineup is expected to be strengthened by the likely inclusion of Muhammad Huraira. Key players like Faheem Ashraf, Wasim Jr., Saim Ayub, and Nauman Ali, whose contributions are vital to the team’s success, struggle to get a spot on the squad.

Furthermore, according to sources, Imamul Haq or Sahibzada Farhan are anticipated to be added to the team, subject to additional assessment. Furthermore, following a fitness assessment, Amir Jamal and Hasan Ali’s futures will be determined.

The ultimate selection for the Test team will take place following Red Ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s return to Pakistan. The ultimate squad that will play Bangladesh in the forthcoming Test series will be greatly influenced by his assessments and thoughts.

Pakistan is scheduled to visit New Zealand in March and April of 2025, according to the country’s official cricket schedule, which was released earlier this month.

Throughout their visit, the Pakistan cricket team will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in an exciting series.

The T20I series, which starts at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16, will serve as the tour’s opening event.

Latest News

PM Meets With KP Lawmakers: Promises Progression and Relief Efforts in Province

Published

18 hours ago

Farwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhawa lawmakers are given assurances by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the province’s development, namely in the amalgamated districts, with a particular emphasis on the provision of standard health and educational facilities.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa National and Provincial Assembly members paid a visit to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at PM House.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the PML-N Government has always given priority to the development of the combined districts.

The prime minister promised that the combined Districts would have standard health and educational facilities, and that Danish Schools would be established nearby to offer local pupils an education of the highest caliber possible.

The PM also underlined the importance of promoting solar energy, combating electricity theft, and helping the middle class and impoverished.

He said that in order to boost the agriculture sector’s growth, expand the amount of land under cultivation, and reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign fuel imports, the government was converting agricultural tubewells to solar energy nationwide.

According to PM Shehbaz Sharif, the government recently provided significant reduction from electricity rates for those with low and moderate incomes.

At the event, he also announced the creation of a committee headed by the deputy prime minister, whose goal will be to identify long-term solutions to the issues facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s elected officials.

He argued that in order to preserve the nation from going into default, the current government had to make difficult political choices in order to revitalize the economy.

The parliamentarians gave Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif high marks for his visionary leadership in transforming Pakistan’s economy.