Heat waves and their management

Heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat often accompanied by excessive humidity. Heat waves occur when there are a number of consecutive days with above average temperature that the body cannot tolerate. This unusual and uncomfortable hot weather can impact on both humans as well as animals health. Heat wave is one of the major disaster for many countries. It develops slowly and kills and injures many animals and people more than any other disaster. Apart from death, everyday more and more people get admitted to hospitals suffering from sunstroke, severe dehydration, vomiting and high fever.

The symptoms heat related illness include sunburn, pale skin, heat cramps, heat stroke, weakness, fainting, nausea, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse and drowsiness. Elderly persons, outdoor workers, children and military are the ones at higher risk of getting affected by the heat wave.

Like human beings, animals also suffer from heat wave. Domestic animals and poultry birds are particularly vulnerable to heat wave. When there is unavailability of enough water or shade for animals a change is seen in their behaviors. Heat waves also damage plants, crops and vegetables. When shearing winds blow and the temperature rises to around 45°C, exotic plants perish. In the grazing field not a single blade of grass is available for the cattle.

During hot summer, water consumption also increases drastically, often causing shortage of drinking water. Lack of water in most of the wells and other water bodies during hot summer seasons has an adverse effect on human beings as well as the animal population. Occurrence of drought conditions and wildfires are often the result of heat waves.

Prevention during heat wave:

• Control the temperature at home.
• Avoid direct sunlight while being out of the house/ in the street.
• Take care of pets and other animals by avoiding direct exposure to sun.
• Keep the rooms cool by using shade cloth.
• Limit doing any physical activity at the hottest hour of the day.
• Drink a lot of water, about 3-4 liters per day.
• Avoid heavy protein foods like meat, dairy products, etc.