The summer heat is taking a far heavier toll this season. More than 600 lives have been lost around the country and the count is rising as temperatures, heading to record levels of up to 48º Celsius, are threatening to stay severe at least for a few more days in the worst-affected states. South India, specifically Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, has suffered the most, so much in fact that this appears to be a grave humanitarian problem needing focused attention this year because things may only get worse in subsequent summers thanks to changing climate patterns. Those suffering are the people who constitute the most vulnerable segment of the population — the elderly, women and children.
A safety net must be mooted that can take care of the worst affected. Green shelters that remain cooler in the hottest weather, where people can gather during the hottest parts of the day, might be one answer. Apart from publicising the rigours of the summer sun and the precautions against sunstroke and dehydration, governments must address the issue in a holistic manner. Conditions at primary health centres are hardly conducive to offering treatment, bereft as they are of fans; ironically, summer power outrages are crippling the few in running condition.
Public awareness is also very low. Governments can tackle this only by advertising widely the do’s and don’ts before summer sets in. There are countries with hotter climes which manage with emerging green technologies, or common-sense like painting houses and roofs white to reflect the sun’s rays. We must learn from them, quickly.
