Fierce heatwave of century is sweeping across Pakistan especially in Sindh and Southern areas of Punjab. Rest of country is also facing ferocious extreme hot weather. Electricity wires have melted down and grid stations have tripped or totally gone out of order resulting in worst load shedding ever. The Director Flood Forecasting Division has given a good news and a bad news. The good news is that a monsoon system has come close to Pakistan and there is a possibility of rains in many parts of the country in the next 24 hours. The bad news is that at the same time, that a new wave of heat may hit the country in the coming week. Already around 600 people have succumbed to this acute heat wave. In Karachi only, 300 people have died. This is a natural calamity. Burning tires, blocking roads, torching government installations, clashing with police would do no good. Government must take emergency measures such as shutting down markets and industry for more hours and certainly no business after dark.
Following are the tips to stay safe and avoid heat stroke and wave in Pakistan:
1) Don’t overexert yourself.
2) Drink water as much as possible.
3) Wear loose clothing light in color and fabric.
4) Must wear hat if outside and try to be in shade as much as possible.
5) Open windows and use fans, or use air conditioning if you can afford of course. Use hand fans if all else
fails.
6) Dont take tea and drink coffee as it can speed up dehydration.
7) Stop smoking.
8) Don’t leave kids in parked cars.
9) If you are taking medicines, again consult with doctors if its safe to take them in heat wave.
10) Prevention is better than cure.