Pakistan

How to save yourself from a heatwave?

Published

12 months 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

Punjabi bakers decide to charge Rs. 15 for “roti.”

Published

1 day ago

Farwa

The bread, known as roti, will be sold for Rs 15 by the bakers association.

During their discussion, the association promised Food Minister Bilal Yasin that the rate of roti will be reduced.

The minister was there when Association President Aftab Gul recorded a video message committing to sell rotis for Rs15 each.

According to him, the administration decided to lower the rate of flour. He continued, saying that the group was supporting the government hand in hand to stop inflation.

The price of flour has been drastically lowered, according to Food Minister Bilal, to help the populace. He stated, “the government aimed at providing quality and affordable bread to the masses.”

He said that the recent reduction of Rs 1,200 in the price of flour was the biggest drop in the commodity’s prices in the nation’s history.

Latest News

Day four of the AJK inflation protest begins as talks come to a standstill.

Published

1 day ago

Farwa

Following the collapse of talks between the Awami Action Committee and the AJK government on Sunday, the shutdown strike and protests in Azad Kashmir over rising flour and energy costs started their fourth day on Monday.

The ongoing shutdown and wheeljam strike would continue until their demands are fulfilled, according to the Awami Action Committee.

AAC-led march on state capital Muzaffarabad today has brought the valley to a near stop. The caravans are coming from many AJK cities, and they are headed towards Rawalakot. The march is being caused by the impasse in the negotiations.

Reportedly, the demonstrators have blocked the 40-kilometer Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road, which connects Kohala Town and Muzaffarabad, multiple times.

Traffic on main thoroughfares and roads has decreased, and large police contingents have been stationed at strategic points and roundabouts.

After fighting broke out between the police and demonstrators in Mirpur on Saturday, which left one policeman dead and numerous others injured, the AJK government dispatched Rangers.

Everything is completely suspended, including internet and cellular services, business, and education.

Under the pretext of talks, Awami Action Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri has charged that the administration is using deceptive methods.

Apart from the flour subsidy, he continues, the administration will not budge on any other demand.

CONVENE MEETINGS, PRESIDENT, PM

All parties involved have been asked by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari to use moderation and engage in discussions to find a solution. According to both, the demonstrators in Azad Kashmir should have their legitimate demands met.

The issue in AJK will be the topic of a significant meeting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is calling today, Monday.

The skirmishes between the demonstrators and the AJK police caused anxiety for the premier on Sunday.

Speaking with Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, the prime minister of AJK, he said he also gave the office-bearers of the All-Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in AJK instructions to speak with the leaders of the Awami Action Committee.

Olive Branch is offered by AJK PM.

Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwarul Haq stated on Sunday that his administration was ready to lessen the burden of exorbitant grain and energy costs.

Regarding Saturday’s meetings with the demonstrators, Prime Minister Haq declared, “We are determined to implement the agreement we have reached with the Awami Action Committee.”

Politicians, according to Haq, have found solutions to issues through discussion and “we are ready to talk with the Awami Action Committee at any level and the demands related to the government of Pakistan will be raised before the federation.”

In order to ease the burden of rising flour and power prices, he also expressed a willingness to modify the development budget if needed.

The AJK prime minister stated that his government’s first priority was ensuring public safety, and he further stated that no force was applied to the demonstrators.

Sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi was killed in a confrontation with demonstrators in Mirpur, and hundreds of people attended his funeral on Monday.

Latest News

Today’s National Assembly session is scheduled.

Published

1 day ago

Farwa

The National Assembly (NA) will meet today (Monday) at the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

At 4:00 p.m., the National Assembly will convene in the federal capital at Parliament House. The meeting’s agenda has been released by the assembly secretariat.

As per Article 54(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has the authority to call a session of the National Assembly.