Dumuria people suffering for severe heat

Sheikh Mahatab Hossin, Dumuria (Khulna)

Like many parts of the country, the public life is suffering due to intense heat in Dumuria Upazila of the district.

The ordinary people, including day laborers, are suffering the most due to the unbearable heat. The intensity of the sun and heat is so high that many are falling ill after going out to work. The hardworking people have to go out to work in the intense sun, having no other option in the pursuit of livelihood.

Ali Ahmed, a van driver from the Balia Khali area of ​​the upazila, said, “For poor people like us, it is hot, what if we die? What if we survive? We have to go out on the road in the pursuit of livelihood.”

The comments of the easy-bike and the CNG drivers, van pullers, day laborers and low-income people of the upazila are almost the same. People are gasping for breath in the heat. After the intense heat during the day, there is no relief even at night.

Upazila Agriculture Office sources said, “The temperature is changing due to climate change. There are no big trees, ponds, or canals like before. Due to these reasons, the air does not carry moisture, and everything has become dry, which is increasing the intensity of the heat. Wherever there is shade, people are resting, drinking cold sherbet or green coconut to get relief. Pedestrians are taking umbrellas with them when they go out on the road. The crowd in the shops of the Upazila Sadar has also reduced. Although there is some crowd in the cold drink sherbet and ice cream shops, other shops are quiet. The intense heat is also affecting agricultural work. Farmers say that working in the fields has now become extremely difficult. There is a risk of suffering from various diseases including dehydration in the heat. Due to the sudden increase in heat, there is a risk of professionals and laborers, especially easy-bike drivers and van pullers are getting sick.”

Doctors at the Upazila Health Complex said that to avoid dehydration or heatstroke in the intense heat, one should rest and work with interruption. They said, “Children and the elderly are the most affected by the extreme heat. We are advising everyone to drink saline and stay in shaded areas.”