Three people, including a woman, died from suspected heat-related illnesses while harvesting Boro rice in Jamalpur as a severe heatwave swept the region, raising concerns over worker safety.
Three people, including a woman, have died from extreme heat while working in paddy fields in Bangladesh’s northern Jamalpur district over the past three days as a severe heatwave continues to grip the region.
The latest victim, Bali Begum, died on Wednesday afternoon while drying rice straw in Kukurmari area of Jorkhali Union in Madarganj upazila. She was the wife of the late Iman Ali Pramanik of the area.
The deaths occurred at a time when many farmers are still harvesting Boro rice despite the ongoing heatwave and harsh weather conditions.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sanowar, son of the late Omer Ali of Robiar Char village in Merurchar Union under Bakshiganj upazila, died while cutting paddy in the field. He also served as the muezzin of the local Robiar Char North Jame Mosque.
A day earlier, on Monday afternoon, Asadul Islam died from the heat while harvesting paddy in East Bhatkhawa village of Parramrampur Union in Dewanganj upazila. He was the son of Mohammad Mahal Mondol of the village.
Asadul had been living in Dhaka for a long time and had returned home during the Eid holidays. He joined the harvesting work despite not being regularly involved in farming. He is survived by two daughters and a son.
Jamalpur Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Azizul Haque said health authorities had already received reports of the three deaths.
“Heat stroke, dehydration and various heat-related health risks increase significantly under the current weather conditions. Children, elderly people and labourers need to be especially cautious,” he said.
He advised people to avoid going outdoors during midday unless absolutely necessary, and to use umbrellas and drink sufficient amounts of safe water and oral saline solution when outside.
He further warned that anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, weakness or loss of consciousness should seek medical attention immediately.
