DUMURIA, KHULNA, June 5: A prolonged spell of severe and very severe heatwave has disrupted normal life across the southern region of Bangladesh, including Dumuria Upazila in Khulna.
The scorching temperatures, coupled with high humidity, have created unbearable conditions for residents, while farmers worry about their crops and hospitals report a growing number of heat-related illnesses.
Authorities from the administration, health and agriculture sectors have issued warnings and intensified monitoring efforts to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather.
The persistent heat has left agricultural land parched, with cracks appearing across fields as groundwater levels continue to decline.
The situation has made irrigation increasingly difficult, creating significant challenges for farmers trying to protect seasonal crops and vegetables during the Kharif season.
Agricultural officials said many growers are struggling to maintain adequate soil moisture, raising concerns over potential production losses if rainfall does not arrive soon.
The extreme temperatures have also taken a toll on public health. Cases of fever, cold, cough, diarrhoea and pneumonia-particularly among children-have increased across the upazila.
Labourers working outdoors are facing heightened risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dr Kajal Mallik, Dumuria Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said patient admissions related to diarrhoea and dehydration have risen significantly in recent days.
"Due to the intense heat, the number of patients suffering from diarrhoea and dehydration at the Upazila Health Complex has increased considerably. Children and elderly people are becoming ill more quickly than usual," he said.
"We have ensured adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and emergency medicines to maintain uninterrupted treatment services both in outdoor and indoor departments."
He urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight unless absolutely necessary, drink plenty of safe water and fluids, and refrain from consuming stale or uncovered food.
Dumuria Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Md Ashraful Kabir has issued a series of recommendations aimed at protecting livestock and poultry from heat stress and disease outbreaks.
According to him, farmers should ensure uninterrupted access to clean drinking water and consider mixing vitamin C and electrolyte solutions into drinking water to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
He also advised maintaining proper ventilation inside livestock and poultry sheds. Farmers can lower indoor temperatures by placing wet jute sacks on roofs and using fans where possible.
Feeding schedules should be adjusted to avoid the hottest part of the day. Heavy feed should be provided during the cooler hours of early morning and evening.
Cattle and buffaloes should be bathed with cool water before noon to help regulate body temperature. However, animals should not be taken outside for grazing during periods of intense midday heat.
For poultry farms, he recommended avoiding overcrowding and reducing litter thickness in broiler and layer sheds to minimise heat retention.
"In this severe heatwave, extra caution is essential," Dr Kabir said. "If any animal shows abnormal behaviour, excessive panting or signs of illness, farmers should immediately seek advice from the upazila livestock office or a local veterinarian."
Local authorities have stepped up awareness activities and monitoring efforts to support vulnerable groups, particularly day labourers whose livelihoods have been affected by the prolonged heatwave.
Dumuria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar said public announcements are being made across the upazila urging people to avoid outdoor activities between 11 am and 4 pm unless absolutely necessary.
"We have strengthened awareness campaigns to protect working-class people and the general public during this heatwave," she said.
"Residents are being advised to use umbrellas and hats when going outside. Arrangements have also been made to ensure rapid medical assistance in cases of heat stroke or other emergencies."
She added that the administration is maintaining constant coordination with the agriculture and health departments while closely monitoring the evolving situation.
According to local weather officials, high levels of atmospheric moisture are making temperatures feel significantly higher than the recorded readings. The absence of expected rainfall means there is little prospect of immediate relief.
As the heatwave persists, residents of Dumuria continue to look to the skies in anticipation of much-needed rain that could bring respite from the oppressive conditions.
