Heatwave causes road pitch to melt in Jessore

The continuous heatwaves have led to bitumen melting on roads in Jessore, with temperatures soaring to 42.6°C on Saturday, the highest in Bangladesh this year.

Roads and Highways Department  Sub-Divisional Engineer Mahbub Haidar Khan said: "The bitumen is mainly melting due to the high temperatures. In recent days, Jessore has experienced intense temperatures, and we have reports of bitumen melting in some places."

According to the Jessore Roads and Highways Department, bitumen of grades 80-100 is used on roads where the temperature is below 32°C. Bitumen of grades 60-70 is used for roads that can withstand higher temperatures. Some roads built years ago mainly used grades 80-100 bitumen, which could also be melting now.

On Friday, the highest temperature in Jessore was recorded at 41.2°C. The day before, Thursday, the highest temperature was 40.4°C. On Wednesday, it was 40.2°C, and on Tuesday, the temperature was recorded at 39°C.

Khulna Weather Observatory Centre in-Charge Amirul Azad said that on Sunday at 3pm, the temperature in Jessore was recorded at 40.2°C with 30% humidity. Rain might occur in the next two to three days.

On the previous day, Saturday, the temperature in the district was recorded at 42.6°C.

As the day progresses, the temperature continues to rise. Due to the severe heatwave, the streets become deserted, and both people and vehicles are scarce.

Rickshaw driver Prashant Das standing on Mujib Road, said: "Passengers can be found till 11am. After that, the streets become empty. The heat from the sun above and the sweltering heat rising from the streets below make it unbearable. No passengers will be found before the evening. The intense heat is suffocating."

Sohel Rana from Barakpur village in Jhikargacha upazila brought 60kg of guavas early in the morning by bicycle to sell. By 1:30pm, he had sold about 20-25kg. He said the intense heat had reduced the number of people on the streets, affecting his sales.

Jessore General Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr Abdus Samad said: "The most affected by this heat are patients with respiratory issues, diabetes, heart, and kidney diseases. Most children are suffering from diarrhoea due to the heat. People are being affected by heat stroke, diarrhoea, and pneumonia."

He advised using umbrellas when going out in the sun and wearing loose cotton clothing. He also suggested drinking plenty of water, coconut water, and saline and eating local fruits. He also advised against consuming rotten or stale food.