Zubair Qureshi
In spite of scattered rains and sky overcast with clouds, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi spent Sunday indoors because of intense heat and humidity.
According to the Met Office, the temperature recorded in Rawalpindi and Islamabad was 41°C, with the heatwave to continue till May 18.
The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) and National Institute of Health (NIH) issued separate advisories for people and educational institutions, outlining measures to be taken to protect oneself from the effects of the prevailing heatwave in the country as some regions recorded temperatures of 50°C.
A dust storm pummeled the federal capital in the evening leading to the hope of showers but that could not happen and the gusty winds passed through the city without bringing rains.
The objective of the advisories is to sensitise relevant authorities and educational institutions to take appropriate actions for preparedness and response to incidents of heatstroke in their respective areas.
The NIH advisory has recommended steps for educational institutions to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on students, reduce the frequency of heat-related illnesses and support schools to prepare for and manage risks associated with extreme hot weather.
“Children and young people are more susceptible to heat stress and therefore schools must have measures in place to prepare for and manage the risks associated with extreme hot weather,” the advisory stated.
It also emphasized a number of actions that schools could take to help protect students from heat-related illnesses.
The advisory states “Physically separating students from heat by keeping them in a cool indoor environment is the most effective way of preventing heat-associated illnesses while utilising indoor space for activities during extreme heat is also an ideal way of protecting students. “Increased access to drinking water can help students stay hydrated,” the advisory said, adding that it should be ensured that electric fans were in working condition.
It also called for practicing acclimatization as during this period changes occurred as the body adapted to the stress of repeated exposure to heat adding “There is strong evidence that acclimatisation can reduce heat injuries.”
The Ministry of the National Health Services has also issued its own advisory to health-related agencies, asking them to take timely and appropriate measures to prevent heat/sunstroke.
Federal Minister for Health Abdul Qadir Patel has called for coordinated and effective steps to protect people’s lives from diseases.
“Concrete steps are being taken to improve the performance of the health sector,” he said.
According to the NHS ministry’s advisory, heatstroke is a medical condition that can be fatal if not treated in time.
“Symptoms include hot and dry skin, weakness or lethargy, fever, headache and rapid heartbeat. If heat stroke is not treated properly, it can cause death, damage organs or lead to disability,” the advisory said. Infants, citizens over 65 years, patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, athletes and outdoor workers are at high risk of heat stroke, it added.
