Heatwave water point, Rajshahi

About this task

The Rajshahi region is among the hottest in the country; summer heatwaves are almost routine. On heatwave days, at a rickshaw stand or busy junction with the next shop’s consent: filtered cool water in covered drums, oral saline and a tarpaulin’s shade, from 11 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Volunteers also point out the signs of heat illness.

Why it matters

In recent years April and May temperatures often pass 40 degrees. Those who work in the sun (rickshaw pullers, builders, hawkers) are most at risk of heatstroke, yet safe water on the road is hard to find.

What changes after

The water point ran on the set days; a count of glasses and saline given; the next-door shop willing to run it next summer.

Who can join

Anyone; for the midday shift, those who can bear the sun.

What it costs

Getting ready, step by step

• 7 days before

  Choose a rickshaw stand or busy junction with a shop beside it, where the footpath stays clear.

  Get the shop owner's consent; decide where the drums stay overnight.

  Check the forecast and fix which days to run.

• 3 days before

  Buy drums, glasses, saline and tarpaulin; wash the drums with soap and dry them.

  Agree daily morning delivery with the water jar supplier.

  Teach the team the signs of heatstroke and what to do.

• The day before

  Set shifts: nobody stays in the sun more than two hours at a stretch.

  Pack the banner, rope and stools.

• On the day

  By 10:30 put up the tarpaulin and fill the drums; lids always closed.

  Tick in a notebook each hour how many glasses and sachets went out.

  If anyone looks ill from heat, bring them to the shade and cool them.

• The week after

  Wash and dry the drums and tarpaulin and keep them at the shop for the next heatwave.

  Ask whether the shop owner will run it himself next time.

Who does what

• Lead (1): Spot and consent, water jar supply, shift list. — ____________
• Water and hygiene (2): Fill drums, keep lids shut, wash every glass with soap. — ____________
• Health helper (1): Mix saline, take ill people to the shade, call 999 when needed. — ____________

The day, hour by hour

• 10:00Gather; receive water jars and check the seals.
• 10:30Put up tarpaulin, fill drums, set the washing bucket, hang banner.
• 11:00Water point opens; first shift.
• 13:00Shift change; the first team rests in shade and drinks.
• 14:00Hottest time: more saline needed, watch for signs of illness.
• 15:00Last shift; check the water count.
• 16:00Empty and wash drums, take down tarpaulin, store at the shop, photograph the notebook.

What can go wrong, and what to do

• Someone collapses or faints (heatstroke) → Lay them in the shade, loosen clothes, sponge with a wet cloth and fan; if awake, give small sips of cool water or saline; if unconscious, give nothing by mouth and call 999 at once.
• The water gets contaminated → Use only sealed filtered or boiled water; keep lids shut, never dip hands or glasses in the drum, pour from the tap; when in doubt, empty the whole drum.
• A volunteer gets ill from the heat → No more than two hours in the sun at a stretch; cap, water, rest; stop and go to shade at the first sign.
• Objections over blocking the footpath → Set up beside the shop and keep the walkway open; if someone objects, move politely.

Useful numbers

• 999National emergency: police, fire, ambulance (free)
• 16263Shasthya Batayon: a doctor on the phone

Team notes