ANAMBRA FIRST LADY URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AS HEAT WAVE INTENSIFIES

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as extreme temperatures intensify across the country.

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

Her warning comes amid a projection by the Climate Impact Lab that 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 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.

It also projects nearly 66,800 additional heat-related deaths across the Sahel region during the six-month period, with Nigeria expected to account for almost half of the total.

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

She also urged residents to contact emergency responders when necessary, stressing that simple preventive measures could save lives.

“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,” she said.

The first lady urged residents to check on vulnerable family members, particularly in the mornings and evenings, and seek immediate medical assistance if anyone showed signs of severe heat illness.

“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,” she said.

Soludo reminded residents that Anambra’s emergency response number remained 112, urging them to remain vigilant as temperatures rise.

“Remember that a little caution today can save a life tomorrow,” she added.