There have been seven deaths due to heat in France.Image Credit source: Getty Images
Many countries of Europe are in the grip of heat these days. There have been seven deaths due to heat in France. Italy has banned working outside in the afternoon. Britain and France have advised people to avoid sun and heat. In many cities of Europe the temperature has reached around 35 degrees Celsius. The heat record of previous years has been broken in the month of May. The night temperature has also been recorded around 20 degrees. In countries like India, 35 degrees is common or rather it would be considered normal temperature in the month of May.
35 degrees in France or Britain is not just a number. This combined with the structure of the houses there, low AC, low body habituation, hot nights, humidity, and social conditions is becoming dangerous. The climate is changing, so heat is now a new challenge in Europe too. With proper warning, better urban planning and people’s awareness, these deaths can be prevented to a great extent.Come, in the name of scorching heat in Europe, let us know why deaths are occurring due to 35 degree Celsius temperature?
1. Body habit
The human body adapts to the weather. In countries where heat lasts for a long time, people gradually learn ways to tolerate the heat. The body also becomes better at sweating, maintaining salt balance and regulating temperature. The summer season is short in many parts of Europe. Many people’s body is not used to enduring extreme heat for a long time. Therefore, 35 degree Celsius temperature has become unusual there.
In Europe, the need for AC was not considered, hence many houses do not have AC installed. Photo: Getty Images
2. Homes and cities are built for cold weather
There are many old houses built in France and Britain. They have been designed to protect from cold. The walls are thick. The windows are such that there is very little arrangement to let the heat out. When it is extremely hot outside, these houses become heat traps, that is, the heat gets trapped inside. The house does not cool down quickly even at night. Many people think that they will be safe inside the house, but sometimes the heat inside becomes more dangerous.
3. Less use of air conditioner
Many places in India do not have AC, but AC has become common in cities. In Europe the need for AC was not considered for a long time. Many houses do not have AC. Even if it is installed, it is not in every room. People hesitate in using electricity due to it being expensive. The result is that it is becoming difficult to create a safe cool environment during the heatwave.
The summer season is short in many parts of Europe. Photo: Getty Images
4. The impact of heatwave is not only the temperature, but also the duration.
If the temperature is 35 degrees Celsius for a day, it may be easier to handle. But in a heatwave the heat remains constant for several days. This is what is happening this year. The special thing is that the nights are also staying warm. The body does not get coolness at night. Sleep is interrupted again and again. Pressure on the heart and brain increases. This is the reason why the heat of several days causes more harm and people’s health is deteriorating due to this.
5. Humidity and feel-like temperature
Thermometer temperature alone does not tell the whole story. If humidity increases, sweat does not dry properly. The coolness of the body reduces. This increases the heat felt considerably. In some European cities, humidity also increases with hot air. In such a situation, 35 degree temperature can have the same effect on the body as 40 degree temperature.
In some European cities, humidity also increases with hot air. Photo: Getty Images
6. Elderly and sick people are at greater risk
The elderly are at greatest risk during a heatwave. Even small children have problems. People who have heart disease, respiratory problems, diabetes, kidney problems or high BP are also easily affected. Some medicines can increase water loss in the body or reduce sweating. Therefore, a large proportion of deaths in Europe are seen in vulnerable groups.
7. Loneliness and getting help late
In many European countries many elderly people live alone. The family is not close. Neighbors also don’t ask about the situation every day. Heat stroke or dehydration progresses gradually. If no one is able to see it on time, the condition may worsen. This social situation also increases the risk of deaths.
The number of deaths has increased due to heatwave. Photo: Getty Images
8. Urban heat island effect in cities
In big cities, concrete, asphalt and buildings trap heat. If there are fewer trees, the temperature increases further. It is called urban heat island. In cities like London and Paris, heat may persist even at night. The body does not get rest due to this. The risk of disease increases.
9. Lack of warning system and behavior
Many people in India know what to do in summer. Like staying in shade, taking water-ORS, reducing work in the afternoon. In Europe, people often consider it to be normal heat and go out. Many times they spend more time in the sun. Alcohol or caffeine can also increase water loss. If government warnings are not followed, the loss increases.
Britain and France have advised people to avoid sun and heat. Photo: Getty Images
10. How do deaths occur?
In summer, the body cools down by sweating, but when the heat is too high and the body is unable to cool itself, the temperature keeps increasing. Dehydration happens first. Then problems like dizziness, weakness, vomiting, fast heartbeat occur. If the body is not cooled in time, heat stroke can occur. This is a medical emergency. In this, conditions like unconsciousness, confusion, very high fever can occur. If treatment is delayed, life can also be lost.
Protection from heatwave is not difficult
- Drink water frequently. Don’t wait for thirst.
- Stay out in the sun less between 12 and 4 pm.
- Wear light colored loose clothes.
- Keep the house shaded with curtains during the day.
- If the air is cold at night, take care of ventilation.
- Take special care of the elderly, children and sick people.
- If headache, dizziness, severe weakness, vomiting, confusion occur, seek help immediately.
The problem is not the temperature, it’s the lack of preparation.
35 degrees in France or Britain is not just a number. This combined with the structure of the houses there, low AC, low body habituation, hot nights, humidity, and social conditions is becoming dangerous. The climate is changing, so heat is now a new challenge in Europe too. With proper warning, better urban planning and people’s awareness, these deaths can be prevented to a great extent.
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