The Terai of Nepal is a geographical region where it is colder in winter and hotter in summer. At present, the people of the Terai and Madhesh are forced to bear the brunt of the heat. The heat that increases with Baisakh reaches its peak in mid-Jeshtha. Even though the days of rain are fewer, the heat persists until Bhadra-Asoj. For the past few days, the temperature in the western Terai has been reaching above 40 degrees Celsius. Hot winds (Lu) have started blowing in the afternoon.

People have started falling ill due to high heat and hot winds. Hospital beds have started filling up. Since the issue of high heat is basically a natural issue, it is not under human control to immediately reduce it naturally. Therefore, people should change their behavior individually and collectively. They should find ways to avoid high heat. The government should use its resources and take necessary decisions to facilitate the difficulties faced by the citizens.

Due to the high heat, the number of cases of illness has increased in the Terai districts of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Province due to high temperatures and hot winds (Lu). There are statistics that about 100 patients are affected by the heat every day at Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj. According to the hospital, they mainly come with problems such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and fever.

The Ministry of Health and Population has also urged people to immediately go to a health institution if they experience increased heart rate, breathing problems, low blood pressure, lack of sweating, severe headaches, nausea, or high fever. Such details and information provide information about the effects of excessive heat on health and the treatment that should be sought immediately. The common man needs to take it seriously and be aware.

Farmers and daily wage laborers who work during the day are more affected by excessive heat. Therefore, to avoid the effects of heat, people in this category should be more aware themselves. Work shifts should be shifted to morning or evening as much as possible. The government should also show guardianship for such groups. Their difficulties should be facilitated through measures such as distributing relief. Similarly, staying indoors can also be adopted to avoid heat.

Fans or other cooling electrical devices can also be used as long as they are available. Therefore, the government should not interrupt the electricity supply. Another way to avoid heat is to drink plenty of water and eat fluids. Eating fresh fruits can also reduce the effects of heat. Not consuming tea and alcoholic beverages can also reduce the effects of heat.

Do not go out of the house unless it is necessary. Measures should also be taken to cool the room in the house. If you have to go out of the house, take an umbrella, wear light clothes that are heat and sun-friendly, and use sun protection creams. It is advisable to postpone work that requires a lot of physical effort as much as possible. It may not be possible for everyone to have financial facilities to make additional arrangements to avoid heat. However, every effort must be made. Because the person himself has to suffer the effects. If it is the case, the family also has to suffer the effects.

Summer is also a time when the effects of insects and snakes increase. The effects of mosquitoes also increase during this time. The risk of malaria, dengue, scrub typhus, etc. also increases. Therefore, it is essential not only to avoid heat, but also to avoid the bites of insects, snakes, and mosquitoes and to avoid infections caused by them. For that, cleanliness should be maintained around the house, due to which one can avoid the bites of insects, snakes, or mosquitoes. A hammock should be used while sleeping. Similarly, as the heat increases, the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera also increases, so care should be taken in eating and drinking.

The groups that need extra care such as newborns, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and postpartum women are more affected by heat. Therefore, the concerned parties should be serious about creating a comfortable environment for them. Even if other people can stay at home, children still have to go to school. Therefore, more attention should be paid to them. Schools can be closed during extreme heat.

The local level can take the initiative for that. Alternatively, teaching and learning can be shifted to the morning. However, the school administration should also pay attention to work such as providing a cool environment in schools and encouraging people to drink water. Schools and parents should collaborate to make school travel safe.