Arakan State residents prone to heat-related illness

By Admin 06 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 April 2024, Sittwe

With temperatures rising due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, the residents of Arakan State have become more prone to illnesses such as fever, cough and diarrhoea.

Children and the elderly are more likely to get sick because of the hot weather, and are more vulnerable to heatstroke.

“The weather is so hot that there is no place to stay. During these days, both children and adults get sick. We are also running out of medicine, so we are having a lot of trouble. I want to drink rehydration salt, but I can’t buy it,” said a local woman in Pauktaw Township.

Those fleeing their homes due to the military conflict are facing various difficult living conditions, shortages of drinking water, and increased risk of diarrhoea, sickness and headache.

As the displacement camps have a large number of people living together, they face more difficulties in the summer months, and there is growing concern over public health issues.

“Due to the extreme temperatures, the children in the displacement camp also fell ill and some children fainted. Especially the elderly with high blood pressure are of concern,” said an IDP man in Kyauktaw Township.

The average summer temperature in Arakan State last year was 34 degrees Celsius, and this year the temperature in April has reached 38 degrees Celsius, and the temperature may continue to rise, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH).

DMH urges the public to be cautious as the temperature rise may lead to additional health risks.

Due to the high temperatures this summer, the health community is urging people to avoid going out during extremely hot days as they may suffer from headaches, diarrhoea, dizziness and heatstroke.

“It’s so hot right now that heatstroke can lead to death. That’s why I want to encourage people to drink rehydration salt so that they don’t lose water and salt. And it’s best for people to avoid going out unnecessarily and stay indoors,” said a health worker in Arakan State.

Local residents in Arakan State often face the problem of water shortages during the summer months and those shortages have begun; an especially challenging condition for IDPs.