Cairo, Egypt — A severe heatwave has engulfed Egypt, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, placing immense strain on workers and the country’s economy. This intense heat has prompted Egyptians to seek refuge at the Red Sea and Mediterranean beaches, where the cool sea breeze and ice cream provide temporary relief from the sweltering sun.
The heatwave has compelled companies to alter their work schedules, reducing hours and implementing safety measures to shield employees from the extreme temperatures.
The sectors of cement, steel, textiles, and food processing have been particularly affected, with soaring cooling demands straining the national power grid. Vacationer Rania noted the unusual intensity of the heat, “It’s always hot in the summer, but this year is much worse than before. Most of our outings start in the afternoon till late at night.
I drink a lot of water and cold drinks, try to avoid direct sun. Officials commented on the matter. It’s exhausting.
Now we take more breaks than usual to have a drink, tea, water, but we can’t take long breaks as we have to finish tasks every day. “Mohamed Shokr, owner of a construction company, outlined the necessary adjustments, “Last few years we increased the rest hours during the day, we provide more water, shades, and umbrellas to protect them from the sun, and in many cases, we tell them to come to work in the evenings only. “.
The heatwave’s impact extends beyond daily life, affecting Egypt’s wider economy. Increased maintenance costs due to heat stress are being incurred by industries, while soaring cooling demands are taxing the national grid. Public health and water resources are also under pressure in a country already addressing environmental challenges.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) has warned that the heatwave will be particularly intense in the Cairo region and the Nile Delta, with temperatures expected to fluctuate between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.
As Egypt confronts this extreme weather event, the nation’s efforts to adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change are being put to the test.
The heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect workers, the economy, and the environment.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
