Heat wave: Anambra first lady urges residents to take precautions

Anambra State's First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called on residents to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and avoid heat-related illnesses amid the intensifying nationwide heat wave. The non-governmental organization Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo's founder also urged authorities to pay extra attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and individuals suffering from hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease who may be more susceptible to extreme heat.

According to a report by the Climate Impact Lab, Nigeria is anticipated to witness 31,400 additional heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 due to a powerful El Niño weather pattern. The report, released on September 22, 2026, projects that Nigeria will be among the countries registering the most additional heat-related fatalities globally during the six-month period, with nearly half of the 66,800 projected deaths expected to occur in the Sahel region, including Nigeria.

The study, titled "451,000 at Risk: Where Action Can Save Lives During the Super El Niño," estimates that 451,000 excess heat-related deaths could transpire worldwide between June 2026 and February 2027, compared to a typical year.

During a statement issued on Sunday, First Lady Soludo advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear light clothing, and ensure their homes are well-ventilated. She emphasized the importance of contacting emergency responders when necessary and advised people to watch out for signs of severe heat illness in themselves and others. She stressed that taking simple precautions could potentially save lives.