Online Desk: A blistering heat wave, prevailing for the last couple of days, has paralysed the normal life of the people in Khulna region.

Due to extreme heat wave, the number of diarrhea patients especially children in and around the city, have seen a sharp rise over the last week.

A total of 451 diarrhea patients were admitted to health complexes of nine upazilas in Khulna till yesterday (Monday) in the current month, according to the Khulna Civil Surgeon Office.

Besides, at least 40-45 children were admitted to Khulna Shishu Hospital with diarrhea and pneumonia diseases every day while 18-20 diarrhea patients were admitted to the city’s Mirerdanga Sancramok Badhi hospital.

Dr. Khan Moniruzzaman, a child specialist at Khulna Shisu Hospital, told BSS, “To avoid diarrheal diseases, drinking pure water is a must. Foods should be kept at a normal temperature and habits like hand washing, cleanliness and refraining from staying outside for long are also essential.”

While talking to BSS, Md Al-Amin Rakib administration officer of Khulna Shishu Hospital, said, a total of 46 infant babies and child patients were admitted and a total of 48 patients were released in the last 24 hours.

The total number of beds is 275 which are insufficient during hot summer and cold winter days in the hospital, he said, adding that a total of 4,163 patients got treatment from the outdoor consultation department in the last 7 days.

Talking to BSS, Dr Kamal Hossain, Acting Civil Surgeon of Khulna, said today “We have taken adequate measures at all government hospitals as the government issues country-wide heat alert.”

“If anyone becomes sick, he/she should immediately be taken to a nearby hospital,” he concluded.

People, particularly groups of the lower-income, are the worst sufferers of the sweltering temperatures. Due to the dire situation, people are not leaving their homes unless there is an emergency.

Abul Hossain Mia, 57, a rickshaw puller in the city, told BSS, “Today, “I was severely thrust while pulling my rickshaw. I always keep my head wet with water and sometimes while feel sick during rickshaw pulling.”

Echoing Abul’s statement, Md Mohuddin, 56, a vegetable vendor, said the scorching heat was not only affecting them physically but also financially.

On Tuesday (today) noon, the highest temperature was recorded at 40.6 degree Celsius in Chuadanga and Jashore. The highest temperature in Khulna city was recorded at 40.5 degree Celsius, while 40 degree Celsius in Mongla and Kushtia, according to the Khulna Meteorological Office.

Talking to BSS, Amirul Azad, officer-in-charge of Khulna Meteorological Office, said that the temperature increased day by day in the last four days. The situation may continue in the next three to four days. If the rain may occur in Khulna region, In that case, the temperature may slightly drop.

Meanwhile, a Salatul Istisqa, or rain prayer, was held today morning at Shahid Hadis Park in the city. Mowlana Abdul Awal, the president of city unit Islami Andolan Bangladesh conducted the Salatul Istisqa prayer.

Devotees from various areas participated in the prayer. They sought relief from the heat and prayed to the Almighty Allah for rain.