Reservoirs dry up

The recurring heatwave is getting intense every day. If the current heatwave continues with the same intensity, it can have a very serious impact on the public health and economy of urban and rural areas of the province.

Extensive heat can be described as ‘summer season’ that is significantly warmer and is more humid in nature than the average for a particular place at this time of the year.

The terms extensive heat and heatwave are synonymous to each other. Extensive heatwave can damage and impact health of those who are exposed to it. Moreover it can lead to severe deceases such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, breathing difficulties, and on some occasions it can even prove deadly.

Almost no rain this year in the country has added ‘fuel to the fire’ as the country’s agriculture sector is already facing devastating effects the climate crisis. The yield production of crops has dropped to unimaginable levels this year.

While in case of densely-populated urban cities like Lahore, the situation due to extreme heat is getting harsher. It’s a established fact that the temperature of the cities are usually higher than the rural areas because of higher buildings, traffic, roads and overpopulation. This incumbent heatwave has resulted in water shortage in all the country especially in the hottest localities.

Maqsood Hussain, who works as a labourer in the walled city to provide for his family, told Bol News that the heat has made it extremely difficult for him to work in the afternoon. “And if we don’t work, how will we arrange food for our children at night?”

Hussain further said that the one who has to pay the wages demands the required work to be done ‘whether it is hot or cool.’

“Even during the wee hours of afternoon, we are not allowed to sit in the shade.”

Hussain fears he might faint during work because of the direct exposure to heat.

“The scorching heat could make me ill, who will put food on the table for my children if I get sick due to extreme heat?”

Iqbal Rehab from Qila Marot district Bahwalnagar while sharing his difficulties, said that due to rise in temperature, and no rain, the domestic animals are ‘dying of thirst.’ “As rain is the only source of water in dry places, where we live life has gotten tougher due to high temperatures. We are not able to step outside for work. The blazing sun is causing more problems in our already difficult life. The health of minors, adults and elders are equally affected by this scorching heat. Life seems to have come to a standstill.”

Rehan has appealed to the government to take systematic action to fill the water ponds in the desert so that the animals can be protected from heat-related illnesses. Aisha Izhar, a mother of two, said during this intensely hot season, the health of the school children is at risk. “Children are not able to focus on studies. They appear lazy all day as if they have no energy remaining in them.”

Adding to this, Izhar further said that school authorities should be cautious towards the health of the children during school hours. “Water should be available in the classroom to keep them hydrated. In case of power outage the generator should be used. Children should be prohibited from playing during break time.”

Given the climate situation, Izhar believes early summer vacations should be announced to avoid any uncertainty.

The extreme heatwave has desolated crops this year like never before, says Allah Yar, a local farmer from Central Punjab. The extensive heat and consistent power outage has proven deadly for our crop production this year. This year we have experienced a significant amount of decline in our crop yield, Yar added. “We have suffered ‘massive’ losses in agriculture.”

Expressing his concerns, Allah Yar stated, “If this temperature tends to rise in similar heat in the coming days, besides the added trouble of load shedding, then we might see a further decline in our agricultural productivity. In these difficult, high-temperature conditions, the government should ensure the supply of electricity so that the next crop is not damaged.”

While expressing his frustration with the climate situation, Muhamad Hadi, a local businessman from Lahore, said, “Due to this extensive heatwave, key working hours are lost during the day. Due to heat, the people avoid coming out and visiting the market place. Even in the evening, the heat is so intense that the market remains empty.”

Ahmad Hussain Khakwani, a mango farmer from Multan, told Bol News that the current sizzling heat is going to adversely affect this year’s mango production on a massive scale. “Unfortunately, this year people will not be able to enjoy the sweetness of the mango for long. About 50 per cent to 60 pc of the general mango production is expected to decline this year. This will be a huge blow to income to local farmers as well as to the economy of the country.”

Dr. Azfhar Hussain from Gilgit, who has recently completed his PhD from China in the study of meteorology and atmospheric sciences, stated, “The effects of the climate crisis are being felt all over the world; and Pakistan is one of the countries that is being directly affected by it. Because of the existing heat, the climate of our country is experiencing a ‘paradigm shift’ in temperature. Due to this, the country is going through a massive disturbance. Due to the climate crisis, our environment and atmosphere in which we live in is changing drastically. Droughts and heatwaves are the product of this very phenomenon. The duration of summer season is expanding while winter months are shrinking.”

Adding to this, Hussain claimed the scorching heat is not only affecting the agriculture productivity, but also causing water reservoirs have dried up. Moreover, many glaciers are melting and falling because of this scorching heat. Hussain also said that due to this, the whole country may face flood situations in different localities. “Planting more trees can prevent Pakistan from such severe weather conditions. Trees will help Pakistan to combat this global perils of climate change.”

As temperatures continue to soar above bearable limits, a dietitian named Sidra Arsalan of Online Nutrition Clinic shared instructions to protect from extreme temperature. “To protect yourselves from dehydration, diarrhea, electrolyte deficiencies and weakness, drink plenty of water. Standard water intake of 3-3.5 litres per day is a good idea. But don’t overdo it. For example water intakes of 5-6 litres may cause loss of sodium from your body and result in hyponatremia, a condition in which low sodium levels cause a person to faint.”

Adding to this, the dietitian also said, “Don’t eat foods that are digested slowly on a daily basis like mutton and beef. Such foods are digested more slowly than fish and chicken. Try to limit it to three times a week. Take one to two fresh fruits (with peel) or blend them with water and use as snacks.”

Maintaining this, the dietitian further said that it is important to consume fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks. “Cook food that will last for that day only. Do not keep leftovers. After cooking food, quickly place it in the refrigerator (keep a mat or plate underneath) to avoid bacterial contamination and resulting diarrhea. Avoid fast food, pre-made fresh juices from untrusted sources to avoid diarrhea and gastroenteritis.” Arsalan highlighted, “Do not venture out between 11 am and 4 pm, especially minors and the elderly. When going out, you should cover your head with a cloth or cap. The use of an umbrella is also a good solution in this regard.”

photos: Mohsin Raza/Bol News