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Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]

MEMBERS of the public have been urged to stay hydrated as the heatwave being experienced across the country could cause health-related complications including sudden death for vulnerable citizens.

Temperatures as high as 42 degrees Celsius were recorded in some parts of the country over the past few days, which is unusual, especially in February, traditionally a wet period.

The country is experiencing an El Nino weather season characterised by low rainfalls and high temperatures.

It has been a month since some parts of the country received meaningful rainfalls a situation that has left some farmers in despair as they watch their crops wither.

In a statement, the Meteorological Service Department said the public may experience high temperatures, which can affect some people.

“Hot daytime conditions may lead to dehydration and increased evaporation rates. Increased evapotranspiration in fields may affect crops,” said the MSD.

It warned the public to drink a lot of water while consulting medical experts.

“Wear a sun hat or sunscreen if you need to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time,” reads the MSD statement.

The agency further encouraged farmers to increase the irrigation of crops and ensure animals have proper shade and ventilation.

Health expert Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said the obtaining heat could result in sudden death, especially among vulnerable citizens.

“Vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and people who have chronic health problems such as diabetes, renal diseases, and heart diseases could be in danger of a sudden deterioration and catastrophic complications,” he said. 

“The extreme hot weather conditions are very hazardous to living organisms, including humans, birds, cattle and fish among others,” said Prof Ngwenya.

“Hot temperatures cause dehydration in the body, which could endanger life, especially in the vulnerable groups in our society. Dehydration could lead to circulatory problems in the body, irregular heart rates, salt and water imbalance resulting in sudden collapse and demise.”

He said members of the public should avoid being directly exposed to the sun while motorists should exercise caution on the roads.

“Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel as the heat could cause burst tyres and fatal accidents. People should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids during extreme temperatures,” he said.

Officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development promised to provide an update on the crop situation today. 

However, the situation on the ground seems dire with some farmers showing that their crops could be a write-off. – @nqotshili