Calay News
In the southwestern United States, specifically in Phoenix, an unprecedented heat wave is seriously affecting the homeless population. The extreme heat has seen the city break its previous record of 18 days with temperatures at or above 43°C, and this is expected to continue into the coming week.
Lack of rain and wind have exacerbated the problem, leaving people breathless during the day and keeping temperatures dangerously high even at night. This represents a deadly risk for those living in makeshift camps and shelters, such as “The Zone,” where hundreds of homeless people are trying to survive.
The rise in the homeless population in Arizona has been troubling, growing by 23.4% in recent years due to a lack of affordable housing. As a result, Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, has experienced a 25% increase in heat deaths, severely impacting the homeless population.
Campus Human Services and other organizations in Phoenix are working to provide aid and relief to people in this emergency. They distribute thousands of bottles of water, hats, and sunscreen every day, as well as offering shelter and entertainment in cool places so they can pass the time. However, the high temperatures of asphalt and other outdoor surfaces also pose a serious danger to those who do not have proper footwear.
A coordinated response is essential to prevent more heat deaths in the region, and urgent action is expected at the federal level to address this natural disaster caused by the climate crisis. The White House has outlined response plans related to extreme heat, and a national strategy to deal with this situation is expected.
It is essential that sufficient resources are provided and effectively coordinated to help vulnerable people survive in this critical situation. Extreme heat is a silent and deadly enemy that requires urgent attention and a determined response.
