Damascus, July 20 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management has warned that temperatures are expected to rise on Tuesday and Wednesday, urging the public to take precautions against heat-related health risks and fire hazards.
The ministry’s Early Warning and Preparedness Department said temperatures in inland, northeastern and eastern regions are forecast to run 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages, but are not expected to reach official heatwave thresholds.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., stay hydrated, limit caffeinated and carbonated drinks, avoid heavy meals and ensure perishable food is properly stored and sourced.
It also warned against lighting fires in forests, agricultural land and near tents because of the increased wildfire risk, and urged caution over snakes and scorpions in rural and wooded areas. Drivers were advised to avoid unnecessary long-distance travel during the hottest part of the day and to carry a functioning fire extinguisher in their vehicles.
The ministry urged people not to leave children, older adults or people with disabilities inside parked vehicles exposed to direct sunlight, warning that extreme heat can quickly become life-threatening.
It also advised against swimming in unsafe locations, including dams, lakes, rivers and irrigation canals, and called for appropriate safety equipment at designated swimming sites.
The statement encouraged residents to place containers of clean water on balconies and in suitable outdoor areas to help birds and other wildlife cope with the high temperatures, while urging people not to drive animals away from shaded areas.
The advisory is part of the ministry’s ongoing public safety campaign to reduce weather-related risks, particularly in agricultural areas and camps, during the summer season.
kA.ABD
