Anambra First Lady Urges Residents to Take Heat Wave Precautions

Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on residents to protect themselves against the intensifying heat wave by staying hydrated, limiting exposure to direct sunlight and ensuring adequate ventilation in their homes.

Soludo, founder of the non-governmental organisation Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, also urged relevant agencies and families to pay particular attention to older people, babies and individuals living with hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease, who may face greater risks during periods of extreme heat.

She gave the advice in a statement on Sunday, warning that simple preventive measures could help reduce heat-related illnesses and save lives.

The first lady advised residents to wear light clothing, drink sufficient water and avoid remaining under direct sunlight for prolonged periods. She also encouraged people to check on relatives and neighbours, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Soludo said anyone showing signs of severe heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, have their body cooled and receive immediate emergency medical attention. She reminded residents that Anambra’s emergency telephone number was 112.

The warning comes amid projections of a significant increase in heat-related deaths globally during the period of unusually strong El Niño conditions. A Climate Impact Lab report published on September 22 estimated that Nigeria could record an additional 31,400 heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027.

The report projected 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide between June 2026 and February 2027 compared with a normal year, with Nigeria expected to account for nearly half of the projected 66,800 deaths across the Sahel region.

Soludo’s appeal underscores the importance of public awareness and timely action as temperatures rise, particularly in protecting people who may be more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat.