As a result of soaring temperatures that threatened public health and strained the electrical grid over the past two days, the government of Iran announced a two-day public holiday, closing schools, banks and government agencies.
Image credits: RFI
The scorching sun bears down relentlessly on Iran as the nation grapples with a severe and unprecedented heatwave. Extreme heat is not a new phenomenon in this part of the world, but in recent years, the impact of climate change has intensified the situation, resulting in temperatures soaring to record-breaking levels. The soaring heat poses a significant threat to public health and safety, leading the Iranian government to take decisive action in enforcing a nationwide shutdown to protect its citizens.
To lessen the impact of an extraordinary heat wave on public health, the Iranian government has announced that all public and private institutions will be closed for two days starting on Wednesday.
In reaction to “unprecedented” heat, Iran declared a two-day public holiday on Tuesday, ordering all government offices, banks, and educational institutions to close. This rare action was brought on by soaring temperatures that threatened public health and stressed the nation’s electrical grid.
Due to temperatures above 123 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) in some southern locations, there will be a statewide shutdown from Wednesday to Thursday. Additionally, due to the risk of heat stroke, the Iranian Health Ministry encouraged older individuals, children, and those with underlying medical disorders to stay indoors. Due to the heat, all the next soccer matches in Iran were also postponed.
Ali Bahadori Jaharomi, a government spokesperson said on Twitter that the cabinet had approved a nationwide shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday due to the unprecedented heat.
More than a dozen Iranian cities had temperatures far above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday, and Tehran’s capital was predicted to experience temperatures as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit (almost 39 degrees Celsius) in the next days by Iran’s metrological office.
Understanding the Extreme Heatwave In Iran-
Iran is no stranger to hot summers, but the extreme heatwave it is experiencing now is extraordinary. Climate change has played a pivotal role in exacerbating the situation, making heat waves more frequent and intense. Meteorological records indicate that average temperatures have been rising steadily over the past few decades, and recent years have witnessed temperature records being shattered.
Health concerns and citizens’ safety-
Image credits: The Times of Israel
With the mercury rising to alarming levels, the health of the citizens becomes a top concern. Extreme heat poses various health risks, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are at higher risk during such extreme conditions. Hospital admissions surge during heatwaves, putting a strain on the already burdened healthcare system.
Economic and Social Impact on Iran-
While the nationwide shutdown prioritizes citizens’ well-being, it also brings economic and social challenges. Daily life routines are disrupted, and businesses, particularly those reliant on outdoor activities, suffer losses during the shutdown. Agriculture, a crucial sector in Iran, faces difficulties as extreme heat affects crop yields and water availability.
The extreme heatwave in Iran is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis and its profound impact on human lives. The nationwide shutdown is a necessary step taken by the government to safeguard its citizens’ well-being in the face of scorching temperatures. However, it also highlights the urgency of collective global action to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse effects of extreme weather events.
