Stronger preparedness needed

The soaring temperatures being witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir are a reminder that extreme heat is no longer confined to the traditionally warmer regions of the country. As climate patterns continue to shift, prolonged heatwaves are becoming an increasingly common and dangerous reality for the Union Territory. The warnings issued by health experts should therefore be treated not as routine advisories but as an urgent public health message. Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can escalate rapidly if preventive measures are ignored. Children, senior citizens, outdoor workers and those living with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable. Staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure during peak afternoon hours, wearing light clothing and seeking timely medical attention at the first signs of distress are simple yet effective steps that can save lives. However, individual precautions alone are not enough. Government agencies, local administrations and employers also have a critical role to play. Public awareness campaigns must reach every community, drinking water facilities should be available in busy public spaces, and outdoor work schedules should be adjusted wherever feasible to minimise exposure during the hottest hours of the day. Schools and institutions should also review their timings if extreme weather conditions persist. The heatwave also highlights the broader challenge of climate change. Rising temperatures are altering weather patterns in regions once known for their relatively mild summers. This changing reality demands stronger preparedness, better health infrastructure and long-term climate adaptation strategies. Kashmir’s pleasant climate can no longer be taken for granted. Protecting public health requires a combination of informed citizens, responsive governance and sustained environmental action. As temperatures continue to rise, vigilance, preparedness and collective responsibility will be the strongest safeguards against the growing risks posed by extreme heat.