Authorities roll out measures as heat wave sweeps Henan

The Meteorological Observatory of central China's Henan Province has activated a Level-IV emergency response for high temperatures as persistent heat waves swept the region, prompting authorities at all levels to roll out cooling measures to safeguard production and daily life.

In Shangqiu City, over 300 rest stations are open to outdoor workers, for cooling and short recess. The air-conditioned stations are stocked with drinking water and emergency kits, as well as free ice water and popsicles for all.

"We usually come here to take rest around two o'clock after work, enjoy the air conditioning, have some water, and take a break," said Yan Sifan, a local delivery man.

In Jiangbukou Village of Zhoukou City, agricultural technicians have been helping farmers to install sunshade nets and spray cooling agents to protect greenhouse crops from heat stress.

"The results are significant. The temperature is lower now, so I do not need to worry about the crops in the greenhouse. And I can even work inside the greenhouse," said Jiang Tingjun, a local farmer.

While in Zhoukou's Maozhuang Town, the local government has mobilized 10 agricultural emergency guidance teams to draft customized cooling plans for different crops, including ventilation and dehumidification for crops in the flowering and fruit-setting phases, and promoting an "early-and-late shift" work schedule for leafy vegetables to avoid farm work during midday heat.

"We will continue to instruct farmers to take actions inside and outside greenhouses in accordance with the status of plants, helping reduce heat accumulation or remove some of the heat. With our 'external and internal application' method, we aim to cool down the temperatures and ensure the profits of farmers," said Liu Hui, head of the Agricultural Service Center of Maozhuang Town.

The meteorological department forecasts that maximum temperatures across most of Henan will stay between 37 degrees and 39 degrees Celsius from Sunday to Monday, urging the public to take precautions against the heat.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.

Authorities roll out measures as heat wave sweeps Henan

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked