By Habib Ur Rehman, Climate Change Specialist for Asia, International Rescue Committee

Every year, hundreds of millions of people in South and Southeast Asia endure a relentless heatwave that forces school closures, disrupts agriculture, and heightens the risk of heat strokes and other health complications. This intense heat typically occurs in April and May, just before the region’s annual summer monsoon brings much-needed rain to the parched soil.

A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often with high temperatures and humidity, which can impact human health, agriculture, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

Heatwave Adaptation and Mitigation Programming – Lesson from affected population

Pakistan

Situation: A severe heatwave struck the Cholistan region in March and April 2022, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), causing extensive damage to vegetation, crops, water resources, and livestock. Lasting 41 days from March 11 to April 19, 2022, the high-intensity heatwave was followed by a brief six-day period of relatively lower intensity (April 27 to May 2). The drought and severe heatwaves in Cholistan have had far-reaching impacts across multiple districts. In Bahawalpur District, 11 areas from two Union Councils (Ahmed Wala, Nawan Khu Salam Sar Area, Misri Wala, Dhandla, Khan Garh, Rasool Sar, Bijnot, Panwaraan Wala, Laraan Wali, Maroo Wali, Bhoondri) were severely affected out of four union councils in Cholistan. This crisis has endangered human lives, livestock, and wild species, resulting in the deaths of many sheep and cows. Additionally, approximately 200 water ponds have dried up, further jeopardising the lives that depend on them. The drought and heatwaves have compelled people in Cholistan to migrate to plain areas with their animals, although many remain stranded in the desert, hoping for relief and rain. Seasonal migration began earlier, reducing disposable income for those seeking water sources. In total, 200,000 people in Cholistan faced dire need of humanitarian assistance.

Adaptation and Mitigation Programming: In response to the heatwave and drought, IRC has initiated adaptation and mitigation programming. A rapid vulnerability assessment informed immediate needs and adaptation strategies. Local civil society organisations have been engaged to incorporate indigenous knowledge, with their staff deployed for assistance. Long-term adaptation and mitigation plans have been developed, focusing on activities like pond desilting, rainwater harvesting, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), Mud grass cultivation, drought resistance seeds were distributed, Community Livestock Extension Workers (CLEWs) were trained on first aid, Health workers and volunteers were trained in life-saving skills, and distribution of dignity and hygiene kits. Health and hygiene sessions are tailored for various demographics, ensuring cultural sensitivity. Inclusive Village Community Committees have been formed to enhance community resilience, with stakeholder coordination workshops organised.

Bangladesh

Situation: As Bangladesh grapples with a relentless heatwave, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Recent findings from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) paint a concerning picture: temperatures have soared in 51 out of 64 districts, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures of up to 44-45 degrees Celsius by the end of May.

Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, and outdoor workers acutely feel the impact of these extreme heatwaves. Farmers, too, bear the brunt as they struggle with crop losses and dwindling water levels, exacerbating threats to food security and biodiversity.

Adaptation and Mitigation Programming: IRC Bangladesh has initiated several measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves, especially in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) within Rohigya camps and affected regions such as Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, and Barishal. Collaborating with local partners, the program emphasises raising awareness about the socio-economic and health impacts of heatwaves and strategies for mitigation. Key ongoing initiatives include:

1. Ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water and normal saline at PHCCs to prevent dehydration.
2. Developing guidelines for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and community members to avoid movement within the Rohingya camp between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, and adjusting operational hours accordingly.
3. Community Health Workers trained in the provision of the First Aid.
4. Conducting continuous public awareness campaigns through the InfoSheba website and IRC Bangladesh’s social media platforms.
5. Continuously monitoring the situation on the ground with partners in Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, and Barishal, who have reported heat-related illnesses in the community. IRC supports awareness programs in response.
6. Conducting ongoing community sensitisation through IRC CHWs about heatwave risks and advocating preventive measures during stakeholder meetings.

These initiatives have had a positive impact, as there have been no casualties or serious adverse effects among the targeted population despite facing multiple heatwaves, including the recent one. This success is attributed to the proactive mitigation approach of IRC and its partner organisations, ensuring the implementation of key measures and raising awareness.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.