JAKARTA – Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of growing health risks from hot weather caused by the dry season and reduced cloud cover across much of the country.

BMKG Deputy for Climatology Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan said the healthcare sector needed to remain vigilant against the health impacts of hot weather during the dry season.

According to him, reduced cloud cover allows more solar radiation to reach the Earth's surface, increasing heat intensity.

Read Also:

"The healthcare sector is equally critical. Hot weather typically accompanies the dry season because cloud cover tends to be minimal during this period," Ardhasena said, as quoted by Antaranews.

BMKG recorded maximum daily temperatures of between 30°C and 34°C in several parts of Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and Papua.

In addition to rising temperatures, air quality could also deteriorate because of dust in the atmosphere and the threat of haze from forest and land fires. BMKG said these conditions could increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.

"Deteriorating air quality is directly linked to a rise in acute respiratory infections among the public," he said.

To minimise the health impacts, BMKG urged the public, particularly outdoor workers, to drink plenty of water, wear hats and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen to reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

BMKG also said it would continue updating atmospheric data to help the government and health authorities identify areas facing the highest risk and accelerate measures to mitigate weather-related diseases. (DH/ZH)

Add
as a preferred source on Google

Read Also