Heatwave Warning: Temperatures Likely to Exceed 40°C in Terai Regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim
News Summary
- The government has issued a warning of extreme heat with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius over the next three days in the Terai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces.
- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has placed Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Doti, Kailali, and Kanchanpur districts on high alert for heatwave conditions.
- To protect against the heatwave, the authority advises staying indoors, drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, and seeking hospital care if health issues arise.
May 23, Kathmandu — The government has issued a heatwave warning for the Terai regions of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, forecasting extreme heat over the next three days with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Saturday issued a special advisory noting a moderate-level heatwave is likely in these areas. Based on meteorological bulletins from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the authority predicts intense daytime heat from today through the day after tomorrow.
Due to the serious health impacts of extreme heat and heatwaves, the authority has recommended heightened vigilance in six districts.
According to the authority, the districts requiring high alert are Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Doti, Kailali, and Kanchanpur. Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan, Surkhet, Achham, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi districts are advised to regularly monitor updates.
What are the potential health effects of extreme heat?
The authority notes that intense heat can cause symptoms including fatigue, weakness, excessive thirst, headaches, leg cramps, dizziness, fainting, muscle pain, and vomiting.
How to protect yourself from heatwaves?
The authority’s spokesperson, Shanti Mahat, has urged the public to adopt the following measures to stay safe from heat:
- Stay indoors as much as possible during peak sunlight hours and midday heat.
- If you must go outside, use an umbrella or wear a thin cloth to cover your head.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of water and bathe occasionally with cool water.
- Consume drinks like lightly sweetened sherbets, lemon water, and fresh fruits; drink oral rehydration solutions if sweating excessively.
- Avoid junk food as much as possible; opt for freshly prepared homemade meals.
- Schedule outdoor agricultural or labor work for early morning or after temperatures cool in the late afternoon.
- Prevent children from playing in direct intense sunlight.
- Take special care of elderly people and individuals with heart, lung, or kidney conditions as they are more vulnerable to heat effects.
- Seek immediate medical attention at health posts or hospitals if any health issues develop.
Furthermore, the authority has instructed all disaster-related agencies to remain ready with necessary preparations to mitigate potential risks and respond effectively.
