AP Comes Up With Heatwave Action Plan

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has come up with an action plan on dealing with the heatwave, including advising people on how to protect themselves, seek medical relief if affected among others.

So far, no cases of sunstroke deaths have been reported across the state. The IMD observed a rise in day temperatures by five degrees Celsius from the above normal temperatures recorded at 36ºC or 37ºC earlier and so far the highest temperature recorded was 43.7ºC in March at Atlur mandal in YSR district as also at Narasaraopet mandal in Palnadu district.

Schools, which are running half-day - 7.45 am to 12 noon - have been directed to observe water bell every hour. The same exercise has been told to be implemented for those attached to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee who works from 6.30 am to 10.30 am and also in the evening session.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) director Ronanki Kurmanath said, "An action plan to tackle the heatwave includes a set of SOPs to all departments. So far no sunstroke related deaths have been reported in the state."

Authorities will also monitor climatic conditions, initiate early warning systems, build public awareness to communicate risks to communities, identify vulnerable populations, health risks specific to each group, develop effective strategies, capacity building and apprise healthcare professionals to respond to heat-related illnesses.

Andhra Pradesh has set up 2,387 automated weather stations across the state to get reports on temperature and relative humidity on an hourly basis and possible heatwave impact maps generated to be used as guidance for taking preventive measures.

As part of the action plan, all stakeholder departments have been given specific roles to perform.