Can heatwaves be deadly? All you need to know

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But how dangerous or deadly heatwaves can be?The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) says heatwave conditions can result in physiological strain, which could even result in death. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that deaths and hospitalisations from heat can occur extremely rapidly (over same day), or have a lagged effect (several days later). The global health body says high air temperatures can affect human health and lead to additional deaths.

“Extended periods of high day and nighttime temperatures create cumulative physiological stress on the human body which exacerbates the top causes of death globally," the WHO explains.Heat may "result in accelerating death or illness in the already frail, particularly observed in the first days of heatwaves," the WHO says. It adds, "Even small differences from seasonal average temperatures are associated with increased illness and death."The health impacts of heat waves may involve "dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke". The signs and symptoms, as per the NDMA and the WHO, are as follows:1. Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39°C i.e.102°F.2. Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.3. Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40°C i.e.

104°F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. "This is a potential fatal condition," the authority says.4. Altered human behavior: Heat conditions can alter human behavior, the transmission of diseases, health service delivery, air quality, and critical social infrastructure such as energy, transport, and water.It is important to take all reasonable steps to lessen the effects