Heat wave: Anambra first lady urges residents to take precautions

Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents to take precautions to protect their health and prevent heat-related illnesses as the heat wave intensifies nationwide.

Soludo, founder of the non-governmental organisation Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, also urged relevant agencies to pay special attention to the elderly, babies, and people living with hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, saying they may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

According to a report by the Climate Impact Lab, Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 as an unusually strong El Niño weather pattern intensifies.

The projection places Nigeria among the countries expected to record the highest number of additional heat-related deaths globally during the six months, with nearly half of the 66,800 deaths projected across the Sahel region expected to occur in the country.

The report, published on September 22, 2026, and titled “451,000 at Risk: Where Action Can Save Lives During the Super El Niño,” estimates that 451,000 additional heat-related deaths could occur worldwide between June 2026 and February 2027, compared with a normal year.

Speaking on the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the first lady advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing and keep their homes well ventilated.

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She also urged residents to contact emergency responders when necessary, emphasising that taking precautions could save lives.

She said, “As we head deep into a period of increased heat, I encourage every family to take simple but important precautions to protect their health.

“Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and keep your homes well ventilated.

“Please pay special attention to the elderly, babies, and persons living with hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, as they may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

“Also, check on your loved ones, especially in the mornings and evenings. If anyone shows signs of severe heat illness, move them to a cool place, begin cooling their body, and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

“Anambra’s emergency line is still 112. Remember that a little caution today can save a life tomorrow.”