Stories from Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Many residents of Kaduna State are battling to survive the heatwave the state is currently experiencing.
An investigation revealed that the power outages experienced in the State are not helping matters, as many residents are now forced to sleep out amidst the prevailing security challenges.
Also, findings reveal that several areas experienced daytime heatwaves above 40°C, with nighttime temperatures offering little relief.
The heatwave, which began earlier this March, shows no signs of abating, raising concerns among healthcare givers.
A doctor working with Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, Abdullahi Samad, said, “This is one of the most intense and prolonged heat events we’ve seen in recent history.”
He added that there has been an increasing case of a very rare condition in Nigeria known as Heatstroke.
And, it was gathered that this disease has been affecting most people in Kaduna State.
“I have handled about ten cases of heatstroke now, and it didn’t look good.
“The thing is, you see somebody who went out feeling good, with no fever, nothing, and a few hours later, the same people are being brought in for an emergency with a very high temperature, or the person just collapsed suddenly”, he stated.
According to him, hospitals in Kaduna are seeing a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory distress, saying vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers are being affected more.
He said: “And this is just some of the conditions caused by the scorching heatwave.
“ The public needs to be aware that when the human body temperature rises above 40c° it causes cellular injury to the brain, and this can result in the brain shutting down.
However, Dr Samad urged residents of Kaduna to be careful with the weather, urging them to be smart about it.
He adds:”When the weather becomes hot, try and look for a shade; don’t work under the sun for too long; it is dangerous for your health; stay indoors during peak sun hours if convenient, and remain hydrated at all times.”
Others residents of the Crocodile City share their experience of this scorching heatwave and what they are doing to remedy the situation.
Mrs. Caroline Jacob, a resident of Kakuri, in Kaduna South Local Government Area lamented that the hot weather has had a devastating impact on her foodstuff as well and others perishable.
She stressed that she cannot buy yam, potatoes, or tomatoes and store them for long anymore due to the weather conditions and inconsistent power supply in her area.
“This isn’t just about the weather,” I feel there’s more to this because sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe well; my entire body is filled with rash.
“I just get confused about what to do to remedy this extreme weather”, she said.
Another resident, Chikama Charity Orji, said the weather has not been favorable to her at all, adding that she has rashes all over her body and she easily gets dehydrated.
“I just can’t comfortably sit in the house anymore; this weather is causing me lots of discomfort, I can’t even take a walk to a few blocks like I used to; it has been unpleasant.
“ I really cannot wait for the rain to come and put us out of this mystery”, she said.
Also, narrating his experience as a tailor at Mogadishu Layout, Usman said, the weather is something else.
“As a tailor, I have to iron when sewing and it makes the shop very hot; most times, I have to take off my shirt to be able to work freely.
“And I feel this weather is beyond what any fan can handle because it’s like the fan in my shop doesn’t work, or the heat is just stronger”, he said.
By reason and experience, as Kaduna braces for continued high temperatures, experts warn that this may be the new normal and pray for urgent raindrops to reduce the temperature and give comfort to citizens.
