Blistering heat batters public life in Rangpur

The ongoing spell of insufferable heat has made public life unbearable in all eight upazilas of Rangpur district for the past few days.

The day-to-day activities of the people have come to a standstill due to abnormal rise in temperature which has remained 37 to more than 38 degree Celsius in recent times.

The highest temperature of Rangpur recorded on Saturday was 38.4 degree Celsius, according to the local office of the Meteorology Department.

Many people, especially children, sick and aged persons, are suffering most due to the extreme hot weather.

The situation might continue until the next rainfall, sources at the local Met office said. Besides, low-income groups, including day labourers and rickshaw-pullers, are badly affected by the severe bout of heat.

The city roads, markets and other public places wear a deserted look during daytime, especially midday, as the residents hardly come out unless emergency due to the scorching heat.

Many rickshaw-pullers in different areas of the town were seen taking shelter under trees to sooth away weariness from the heat of the blazing sun.

Expressing disappointment, Touhidul, a rickshaw-puller in Guptapara area of Rangpur city, told the FE, "Usually, I earn Tk450 to 600 a day. But, presently, due to lack of passengers, my income has come down to Tk 150 to Tk 200 only per day. It has become quite difficult for me to maintain my family of five members with this scanty income."

However, a good number of passengers alleged that taking advantage of the situation of hot weather, the rickshaw-pullers are charging them extra fares.

Asadul Mia, a farm labourer of Haragach area in Kaunia upazila of the district, told the FE it has become almost impossible for them to work in the scorching heat as they become exhausted within two or three hours due to excessive sweating.

Some of his fellow workers got sick owing to severe heat during the past few days, he added.

Due to intense heat, the rivers, ponds, canals and other water bodies have become waterless with the level of groundwater falling drastically.

Meanwhile, demand for seasonal fruits, including watermelons and green coconuts, has gone high in the city.

Cashing in on the circumstances, a section of unscrupulous traders are taking exorbitant prices for the watery fruits, especially watermelon, green coconut.

Watermelon is being sold at Tk50-55 per kg. Per piece of green coconut is being sold at Tk130-180 depending on size.

According to Rangpur Medical College Hospital sources, owing to heat wave, there has been a slight increase in the number of patients suffering from the diseases like diarrhea, jaundice, and dysentery for the past few days.

While talking to the FE, Dr. Ayesha Sultana Juthi, a physician at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, advised people to avoid sunlight particularly during the midday and to carry an umbrella while going out during the sunny daytime.

She also advised people to take adequate water, oral saline or green coconut water to protect themselves from dehydration, avoid taking fast food, and maintain cleanliness as much as possible.

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