The United Nations has issued a warning that Afghanistan will face an intense heatwave in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced that adequate facilities have been prepared in all hospitals across the country to address heat-related illnesses and seasonal diseases.
Doctors are advising the public to drink plenty of cold fluids, stay in cool and suitable environments, and wear light-colored clothing when going outside to avoid heatstroke.
FAO heatwave alert
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of a sharp increase in temperatures across Afghanistan from July 1 to July 3, 2025 (10–12 Saratan 1404).
According to the FAO, temperatures across the country are expected to rise 2 to 10 degrees Celsius above average. In southern, eastern, and northern regions, temperatures may exceed 45°C.
The organization expressed concern about the upcoming heatwave and shared several recommendations for the public.
MoPH concerns
Sharafat Zaman, spokesman for MoPH, also expressed concern over the intense heat, saying that Afghanistan has not experienced such temperatures in the past two decades.
In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, he said: “According to the figures shared with us, this year we have seen an increase in cases of heatstroke and other seasonal illnesses. Fortunately, appropriate treatment facilities are available in all hospitals nationwide.”
However, Zaman did not provide specific statistics on heatstroke or other seasonal disease cases.
He added: “Public awareness is critically needed to prevent such illnesses. For this reason, the Ministry has launched public awareness programs through the media to better inform people and help protect them from the effects of severe heat.”
Rising cases of heat-related illnesses in hospitals
Dr. Faridullah Omari, a specialist trainer at Kabul’s National and Specialized Infectious Diseases Hospital, reported an increase in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
He said that with rising temperatures, the number of people affected by infectious diseases—especially diarrhea and food poisoning—has increased. On average, 25 to 30 individuals visit the hospital daily due to heatstroke or food poisoning.
He explained: “After patients are brought to the emergency ward and examined, treatment begins. If the patient’s condition is serious, they are hospitalized; otherwise, they are given health advice.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Nazir, a physician at Kabul’s Esteqlal Hospital, stated:
“Recently, there has been an increase in patients showing symptoms of heatstroke, low blood pressure, severe headaches, and extreme fatigue. We are trying to ensure adequate medical facilities for these patients.”
Doctors’ Recommendations
Sharafat Zaman urged the public—especially in Kabul and other provinces experiencing high temperatures—to drink plenty of water and fluids during hot days, and consume fruits like watermelon to prevent dehydration.
Dr. Faridullah Omari also recommended: “To prevent illnesses, people should observe personal hygiene, use clean water and healthy food, avoid expired foods, and infected individuals should avoid close contact with others.”
He warned that ignoring health recommendations during intense heat could lead to dangerous consequences.
Dr. Rohullah Zaheer, an internal medicine specialist at Esteqlal Hospital, said that in extreme heat, people should stay in cool environments or wear light-colored clothing when going outside, and drink more fluids.
He added that neglecting heatstroke can lead to serious complications such as fainting, seizures, or even death.
According to him, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to heatstroke because their bodies have less resistance.
School Closures
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has issued a notice declaring that due to the extreme heat, all schools in cold regions of the country will be closed from July 1 to July 5, 2025. Midterm exams of the academic year will begin on July 6.
Rising temperatures, impact on agriculture
Sayed Mohammad Suleimankhel, an environmental expert, said that excessive heat not only reduces soil moisture and causes dryness, but also seriously affects agricultural crops and can lead to drought.
He added that effective water resource management is crucial during the hot season to protect agricultural products. Water must be distributed fairly and purposefully for irrigation.
sa/ma
Views: 4
