THE World Health Organization on Wednesday urged governments and local authorities to set up a strong surveillance system for people who are most at risk of severe symptoms from a heatwave that is baking the northern hemisphere.
People with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and diabetes, as well as pregnant women, children and homeless people, are seen as the most vulnerable to heatwaves that have scorched parts of Europe, Asia and the United States this week.
“We are very concerned about those who are most vulnerable. And clearly, the heatwaves can exacerbate all of those pre-existing diseases,” Maria Neira, director of the public health, environment and social determinants of health department at the WHO, told journalists on Wednesday.
While the El Niño weather phenomenon has been seen as the reason for the heatwave this year, global warming has been further exacerbating the issue, causing erratic weather patterns globally.
While some are facing heatwaves, heavy rains have pummeled central and southern regions of South Korea since last week while in northern India, flash floods, landslides and accidents related to heavy rainfall have killed more than 100 people since the onset of the monsoon season on June 1.
“In the medium and long term, we need to decarbonize our society as well,” Neira said.
In scorching Beijing, “facekinis” are the hottest new fashion downtown as surging temperatures shatter records.
With the mercury rising above 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) and soaring as high as 80C in some parts of the country, residents and visitors have taken to carrying portable fans and covering themselves up to avoid getting a tan. Some hats even have fans built in.
Facekinis, or full face masks with holes for the wearer’s eyes and nose, sleeves to cover arms, as well as wide brimmed hats and lightweight jackets made out of UV-resistant fabric have become especially popular.
“Compared to before the pandemic, two or three years ago, this year is much, much better than previous years. Sales volume is definitely up a lot this year,” said a salesperson, who gave her surname as Wang, in a shop that sells hats.
Many female consumers in east Asia favor fair skin, and sun protection products are also popular in neighboring countries such as South Korea.
“The main concern I have is potential skin diseases, or developing sunspots,” said 17-year-old student Li Xuyan who with her mother sported masks that covered most of her face when they visited a tourist area in Beijing. – Reuters
