News
Intense February heat poses health risks
View(s):Hot days and nights and high humidity so far this month will expose Sri Lankans to heatstroke, skin ailments, and other health risks.
The temperature has risen above 35 degrees Celsius in many areas in the country. As of yesterday, the maximum temperature recorded was 36.2°C from Ratnapura district.
The Department of Meteorology has warned that the extreme heat is likely to increase the risks, with relief not expected until at least the southwest monsoon rains in May.
It is said that the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body is expected to increase up to ‘caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Monaragala districts.
As per the advisory, under the ‘caution’ level of temperature, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure, while continuing activity could result in heat cramps.
The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for children and appropriate actions.
Sports meets or big matches should be held in suitable weather where children are not exposed to extreme heat, it says.
It recommends hydration, appropriate clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities for students. Children should limit physical activities up to the level that the body can tolerate. Limiting activities to early morning and evening is recommended.
Health officials warn against spending too much time outdoors due to the risk of heat strokes, cramps and heat exhaustion. Wear a hat, or use an umbrella outdoors.
Children, elderly and especially those with chronic diseases are the most vulnerable.
Drink plenty of water, at least two litres per day, they advise. Have cold water showers to lower the body temperature. Wear light-coloured, loose clothing.
Be cautious of symptoms of heat rashes. One can get heat cramps with too much exposure to the sun.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Lahiru Wickramasinghe, an engineer at a project site in Narahenpita said: “The heat is too much, like burning, but we are continuing to work. We try to take as many fluids as possible. ‘’
Dermatologists have expressed concern about the increased risks of skin ailments due to the intense heat. They advise people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, to prevent sunburns, heat rash, sunspots, irritation, pus blisters and other conditions.
Anusha Warnasuriya additional director general, Department of Meteorology, said the condition has occurred as there is no breeze mainly because of the high precipitation. There isn’t much cloud cover during the day, and sunlight falls directly onto the earth. “Since there is no breeze, the sweat does not dissipate. We expected the situation to change when the rain is predicted. We believe it will reduce temporarily but it will completely disappear by May when the southwest monsoon is established in the country. ‘’
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