Punishing heatwave

A SEVERE heatwave has gripped the country over the past several days. Record-breaking temperatures have forced people to think twice about venturing outdoors during the afternoon and there have been fatalities due to sunstroke. Though high temperatures have been reported from across the country, Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab seem to be bearing the brunt of the heatwave. Moenjodaro experienced a record high of 53.5°C while several towns have reported temperatures ranging from the mid to high 40s. Loadshedding and power breakdowns have added to the people’s misery, while cases of gastroenteritis are cause for concern. Scant rainfall has contributed to the oppressive temperatures. In India the situation appears to be even worse, with media reports saying that over 130 people have died due to heat-related complications. Met office officials say the heatwave in Pakistan is likely to subside over the next few days, though more ex treme temperatures cannot be ruled out in June. Experts say it is noteworthy that the heatwave has gripped such a large geographical area.

If estimates are correct, the world’s weather will only get hotter by the year. The UK’s Met Office Hadley Centre has said there is a more than 50 per cent chance that 2010 will be the hottest year on record globally, while the American National Climatic Data Centre maintains that “… it is very likely heatwaves and other hot extremes will increase”. Though little can be done to control nature’s extremes, people should practise extra caution during these days of searing heat. The elderly, infirm and children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related ailments. We also believe that the power distribution companies can try and prevent unnecessary outages at times when the heat is most oppressive. Ultimately, we all need to do our part and conserve energy so that people get some relief from soaring temperatures.