Managing the Heat Wave

• 14-10-2015
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Summer has continued to be severe in 2017, coupled with drought conditions in many parts of Karnataka. Hence it is essential to manage this condition effectively.

Last year (2016) recorded the highest temperatures during summer, not only across India but also throughout the world. At least 700 people are estimated to have succumbed to heat waves last year in India alone.

As early as March this year, Maharashtra reported three casualties related to heat in Jalgaon, Beed and Solapur. In fact, for 2017, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast that temperatures will be 1 degree higher across the country.

What then is heat wave? When the temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, it is considered as a heat wave. In places where the normal maximum temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius, the rise has to be more than 6 degrees, in which case, it is classified as a 'severe' heat wave.

However, in places where the normal maximum temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius, a rise of 4 to 5 degrees is sufficient for the condition to be considered as a 'heat wave'. Alerts have to be issued in either of these situations. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in South India are two states which are most prone to heat waves. Neighboring Maharashtra also reports casualties due to heat waves quite regularly, while the northern parts of Karnataka which border these two states also reel under severe heat conditions.

To combat this situation, suitable measures are absolutely necessary when we consider that in the last four years alone, there have been 4620 deaths in India due to extreme weather conditions, of which Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together accounted for a massive 4246 deaths! A very high temperature is bad for the nation's economy because the productivity of manpower drops severely in extreme heat conditions. Research has also shown that exceeding 38 degrees in an industrial environment begins to cause increasing discomfort. A recent report by UNDP has stated that the "levels of heat in many tropical locations are already very high with respect to thermal tolerances even for acclimatized populations."

As heat increases gradually up to the normal max. temperature, human body also begins to gear up so that it can withstand & survive. Beyond this, every fractional increase is felt acutely by the body and it may be at a loss to cope with the rising temperature. This is especially relevant for the very young and the very old people in the population.

Poor people also suffer from severe heat as they have to do manual work in the open for a living and protection from heat turns into a luxury they cannot demand!

Heat causes dehydration which can lead to respiratory issues and kidney failure. Sun stroke is another result of extreme temperatures, wherein a person exposed to acute sunlight dies due to a combination of reasons. Heatstroke causes dizziness, headaches, skin rashes and weakness.

There are many precautions that can be taken at the individual level, rather than depend on State measures alone. Below are some of them:

1. Drink sufficient quantity of water and other fluids throughout the day. Keep an eye on the quality of water as well.

2. Keep your head covered by a cap, hat or any other mode whenever you are outdoors.

3. Wear light clothes at all times.

4. Avoid moving about when sunlight is very intense, between 10.30AM and 3.30PM ideally.

5. Keep Oral Rehydration Mixture handy.

6. Watch your body heat as well and manage it consistently.

Let us all be aware that people around us are vulnerable to suffer from heat-related risks and have a plan in
place so that we can help ourselves as well as others.