Two young girls enjoying orange-cola while strolling down the street in Srinagar amidst intense heat on Thursday. KO photo by Abid Bhat
Srinagar- Kashmir Valley is sweltering under an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in recent days. This scorching heat is having a significant impact on various aspects of life, from human health to agriculture, water resources, and mental well-being.
The intense heat has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses. Elderly people, children, and those with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. Doctors are urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, Dr. Syed Riyaz, a Consultant Diabetologist, said that there is a direct impact of the heatwave on human health.
“Excessive loss of sweat can cause muscle cramps and if the sweat loss is severe, it increases the workload on the heart, raising the pulse rate. It can cause the body’s thermoregulatory system to fail, which leads to red and dry skin, potentially causing internal organ damage and even death,” Dr Riyaz said.
He also said that elderly people are vulnerable as they often do not experience thirst as acutely as younger people.
“Children and those with pre-existing health conditions are also at higher risk,” he added.
The heatwave is also raising concerns about the environment. Glaciers in the region are melting at an alarming rate, threatening water scarcity in the coming months. Experts warn of the potential impact on the region’s delicate ecosystem.
Environmental expert, Dr. Tanveer Ahmad Khan talking about the broader implications of the heatwave in Kashmir, said, “Kashmir Valley is part of the Himalayan region and is already facing challenges like biodiversity loss and deforestation. The current heatwave has increased water scarcity, a critical issue linked to global warming.”
“We have never witnessed a heatwave like this and it has a severe impact on agriculture, with suffering under the extreme heat,” he added.
The agrarian economy of Kashmir is also facing a severe crisis due to the heatwave. Farmers said that the crops are dying due to extreme heat and less rainfall.
“We have never faced such intense heat before and it is causing significant losses to our crops and lands,” Mohammad Jaffer, a farmer from central Kashmir’s Budgam district said.
While the physical toll of the current heatwave is evident, the psychological impact of this extreme weather is equally concerning. Experts warn that the prolonged exposure to high temperatures can have a significant impact on mental health.
Psychotherapist Yaqeen Sikandar said that the rising temperatures can increase stress and irritability levels, especially among those already suffering from depression and anxiety.
“People with acute mental health conditions, like psychosis and other mental health issues suffer more due to the heat wave. Research indicates that suicidal tendencies in men also rise with higher temperatures. Physical activity decreases during the day, adding to the sense of confinement and stress,” Sikandar told Kashmir Observer.
Sikandar advised people to stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat and seek cooler environments to mitigate these effects of the current heat wave.
Dr. Mukhar Ahmad, Director of Meteorological Department said that the heatwave is predicted to last until the afternoon of July 27.
“After July 29, we expect a wet spell, with the weather taking a complete turn for the better,” he said.
The administration has issued advisories urging people to take precautions against the heat. However, with the heatwave showing no signs of abating, concerns are growing about its long-term impact on the region.
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