As per reports, as of Thursday (28 August), the intense heatwave impacting Barranquilla and the wider Caribbean region has raised serious concerns among health authorities. With temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius and higher wind chill factors, the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, has significantly increased.

• Vulnerable groups such as children, elderly citizens, and individuals with chronic illnesses are at heightened risk.
• The District Health Secretariat, under the leadership of Stephanie Araujo Blanco, has issued warnings about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive or absent sweating, severe headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, paleness, low blood pressure, nausea, muscle cramps, exhaustion, tachycardia, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
• Prolonged exposure may also cause skin irritation, sunburn, sudden colds due to abrupt temperature changes, and severe dehydration.
• Authorities have urged residents to adopt preventive measures, particularly during peak sun hours between 1000 hours and 1500 hours (local time), to avoid health complications.