Thousands of people died due to heat waves, how does this phenomenon cause death?

KOMPAS.com – A number of countries are experiencing heat wave, one of which is Portugal. Thousands of people are reported to have died due to the heat wave.

Reportedly, the heat wave that occurred in Portugal has killed more than 1,000 people on July 18, 2022.

It is stated that climate change causes temperatures to continue to rise, even the air temperature in this country is recorded to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Talking about the data, it shows that the elderly and children are the groups most likely to die from the heat wave.

So, how can heat waves cause death?

Reported from Telegraph, heatwave illness and death can occur in fit and healthy people, not just high-risk groups.

Also read: Indian heatwave breaks record, temperature reaches over 49 degrees Celsius

Regarding how thousands of people could die from a heat wave, Chief paramedic at St John’s Ambulance Martin Berry explained, the health hazards associated with high temperatures are divided into two stages, mainly heat exhaustion.

Heat can cause a person to feel dizzy, thirsty, and sweat profusely.

“You start to feel quite dizzy, excessively thirsty, and become very sweaty. “This is usually a sign that you’ve been in the sun too long, or that you’re pushing yourself too hard and your body temperature is rising too high,” says Berry.

Usually this condition is not too serious as long as a person can get out of it soon hot temperature and calm down.

However, if you don’t do it and the body temperature continues to rise that will enter the danger zone heat stroke as a result of the ongoing heat.

Also read: What is a heat wave and its impact on health

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