Distressed livelihood in Heat Island!

Every day brings discomfort under the sun, restless nights, pounding headaches, frailty, and a muted social existence. Those toiling tirelessly face the relentless challenge of providing for their loved ones, locked in an unyielding struggle against the forces of nature just to endure.

Environmentalists said, "Our cities are standing like heat island in intense heat. As a result, people living in cities are suffering more than in villages."

Doctors say patients are increasing in hospitals due to the intense heatwave. There is also a shortage of beds. Fluctuating temperatures are leading to health problems that vary with age.
In Bogura, the heat persists day and night. According to the Meteorological Department, room temperatures in this district have fluctuated around 39 degrees Celsius since April 21.

Tarek Aziz, meteorological assistant of the Bogura Office, said, "There is no possibility of a temperature decrease until April 28."

Causes of intense heatwaves and heat islands

Heatwaves result mainly from global warming, a process accelerated by human activities. Increased greenhouse gases raise Earth's average temperature.

The current heat is due to air flow as the sun nears the Tropic of Cancer. Vertical airflow is prevalent across Bangladesh, with air rising. Limited rainfall post-winter has reduced water vapor in the air, diminishing the chance of sudden rain.

Unplanned urbanization creates heat islands in cities today. Buildings absorb heat during the day, but overcrowding prevents it from dissipating at night. With few water bodies, humidity is low, intensifying the heat. While villages cool down at night, city buildings retain warmth, creating a cycle where cities act as heat islands amid cooler surroundings.

Md. Abu Saeed, Assistant Professor at Bogura Govt. Azizul Haque College's Geography and Environment Department, warns of the indiscriminate destruction of reserve forests. This disrupts oxygen production and raises carbon dioxide levels. Protecting reserve forests is crucial, along with individual tree planting.

He further said, "Heat is trapped in the city, as there is not enough open space in the city. This problem will not be solved until it rains."

"Mainly due to El Nino (warm ocean currents in the Pacific Ocean), there is no rain at the moment. However, if there is sufficient water flow, it may rain locally." Abu Saeed added.
Md. Abu Saeed, Assistant Professor at Bogura Government Azizul Haque College's Geography and Environment Department, warns of the indiscriminate destruction of reserve forests. This disrupts oxygen production and raises carbon dioxide levels. Protecting reserve forests is crucial, along with individual tree planting.

He further said, "Heat is trapped in the town, as there is not enough open space in the city. This problem will not be solved until it rains."

"Mainly due to El Nino (warm ocean currents in the Pacific Ocean), there is no rain at the moment. However, if there is sufficient water flow, it may rain locally." Abu Saeed added.

Livelihoods of Low-Income People

Jahangir Alam, 58, a resident of the South Bejora area of Bogura, is a rickshaw driver by profession.

He said that on Friday (April 26), around 9 a.m., he started his rickshaw and earned 200 taka until noon today. Feeling ill, he's resting now. The scorching sun and hot road make driving unbearable, but he has no choice. To buy rice and pulses, he must continue. Despite resting whenever possible, his income is declining.

But not only Jahangir; most of the rickshaw-van drivers are living such a life in intense heat.
Saidul Islam is a tea shopkeeper in the Banani area of the city. His tea shop in Banani saw fewer customers this summer, reducing his earnings. Excessive heat forces him to close the shop at times, worsening his financial troubles. If this continues, affording two meals a day will become challenging.

Md. Abdul Wadud, deputy director of Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College (SZMC) Hospital, said, "The number of patients suffering from various heat-related diseases is increasing day by day. All are being treated."

According to Dr. Sajjad-ul-Haq, officer of the Bogura Civil Surgeon Office, "In extreme heat, children experience colds, coughs, fevers, and diarrhea. Young adults may suffer from headaches and nausea, while elderly people are more prone to heat stroke, stroke, and heart attacks."

When asked for advice on staying healthy in intense heat, he suggested shielding oneself from direct sunlight with a hat or umbrella. Always carry water and drink plenty of it, avoiding sugary drinks. Also, avoid fried foods for better health.