Photo : TDM
With scorching summer temperatures and regular power outages, low-income groups, students, patients in hospitals, and office goers in Bangladesh are enduring significant sufferings. The ongoing heatwave, surpassing previous records, has forced the government to implement drastic measures, including the nationwide closure of all public primary schools.
Typically, summers in Bangladesh consist of intermittent sunny days with occasional rainfall. However, this year's heatwave has been relentless, creating unsafe conditions for students to attend classes and disrupting their education.
Public and private healthcare facilities, including hospitals and diagnostic centers, are struggling to provide even basic healthcare services due to the frequent power cuts.
The outages impede the operation of vital medical equipment, hampering healthcare professionals' ability to effectively treat patients.
The low-income groups, already burdened by economic challenges resulting from the surge in essential commodity prices, find themselves in an even direr situation during this heatwave.
With limited resources, they are unable to afford cooling solutions such as air conditioners or fans. The lack of respite from the intense heat takes a toll on their overall well-being and hampers their daily routines.
Abdul Hakim, a rickshaw puller from the Farmgate area, highlighted the challenges faced by rickshaw drivers in the scorching heat. He expressed, "It is impossible to drive a rickshaw in this unbearable hot weather. We are melting away while pedaling the rickshaw, but we are forced to do so to support our families."
Akash, an office worker commuting from Mirpur to Motijheel, shared his hardships while traveling by bus in the sweltering weather.
He added, "Even when we return home from the office, we have to endure frequent power outages that greatly disrupt our lives. This situation cannot be prolonged any further."
Similarly, Ahmed Zareef, a fifth-grade student, expressed difficulties attending school during the ongoing heatwave.
He stated, "I feel weak during my classes due to the extreme heat. That's why I have decided not to go to school until the heatwave is over and the rain arrives."
Moreover, Mohammad Ali, a senior citizen with diabetes and kidney problems, visited the Companiganj Upazila Health Complex in Sylhet for medical tests. However, due to prolonged power outages, the laboratory was unable to conduct the tests, leaving him and many other patients waiting without receiving necessary medical care.
Considering the adverse effects of the ongoing heatwave, it is imperative for the government and relevant authorities to take immediate action. Steps should be taken to improve electricity supply, especially in healthcare facilities, to ensure uninterrupted provision of healthcare services.
According to the Meteorological Department, this heatwave started on May 29, with the highest temperature recorded at 41.1 degrees Celsius in Dinajpur. The western part of the country, including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Dhaka divisions, is experiencing a severe heatwave. Other divisions are facing mild to moderate heat waves. Nighttime temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.
The heatwave is expected to persist for another week. However, by June 8 or 9, the severity of the heatwave may decrease as monsoon winds reach the Teknaf coast. By June 13, the heatwave is projected to subside across the country.
ANOMALOUS HEATWAVE BEFORE MONSOON:
This year's heatwave has shattered all previous records. Dr. Abul Kalam Mallick, senior meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, stated, "Since the inception of meteorological studies in the region in 1948, the temperature has never exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in June. However, this year, the temperature reached 41 degrees Celsius, an unprecedented occurrence during the monsoon period."
Dr. Mallick further explained, "This time, the duration of the heatwave has increased significantly compared to previous years."
Abul Kalam Mallick also mentioned, "Since 2015, we have observed the pre-monsoon season shifting to June. Additionally, the formation of thunderclouds has decreased."
REASONS FOR THIS HEATWAVE:
Kamrul Hasan, another senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Department, attributed the heatwave to the formation of a high-pressure zone spanning from Afghanistan to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. This has resulted in elevated temperatures throughout the region.
Moreover, large areas within this region lack cloud cover, leading to high solar insulation. Sunshine hours range from 10 to 12 hours, while wind speeds remain low. The excess water vapor present cannot rise due to the prevailing high pressure.
HEATWAVE MAY END, RAIN EXPECTED:
Omar Faruk, duty forecasting officer at the Agargaon Meteorological Office, stated that there is a possibility of a low-pressure system forming off the coast of Myanmar around June 7 or June 8. This could bring isolated thundershowers to Sylhet and Chattogram divisions by June 9, potentially reducing the heatwave's intensity.
"However, we anticipate the heatwave in the western areas of Bangladesh to persist until June 13," added Faruk.
TDM/SD
