The Abia State Government has tasked its residents to take precautionary measures against the wave of heat in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
The state commissioner for environment, Philemon Ogbonna, made this charge in a statement on Wednesday, urging people to engage in healthy activities during this period.
He further assured them that the government is committed to working tirelessly for their welfare and security.
“While the state government is reassuring the people of its commitment to their welfare and security, Abians are reminded that health is wealth and that they should do all they can to live a healthy life,” he said.
The state government, through the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Renewal, also expressed concern over the recent climate change resulting in heat waves during the day and at night.
Ogbonna noted that the adverse effects of the current situation include dehydration, which can lead to fainting, contracting chicken pox, heat rashes, mental stress, skin cancer, meningitis, and in the worst-case scenario, death.
He further advised residents to adhere to the recommendations of the experts to curb the threat associated with the heat.
Recall that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) advised Nigerians on how to prepare for changes in climatic conditions, advising people to drink more water and stay hydrated, avoid more consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages, reduce intake of foods rich in proteins because they increase metabolic activities as fresh foods and fruits are better alternatives, stay indoors between 12 noon and 4:30 pm, take cold bath before going to bed at night, and monitor their blood pressure always, among others.
