A temperature of 38.6 degrees was recorded in Jharsuguda in western Odisha at 11.30 am.
In order to alleviate heatwave conditions and water shortage in the state, Odisha’s special relief commissioner (SRC) Wednesday called on district collectors to open shelters for the homeless and disadvantaged.
As a result of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning about heatwaves this week, the SRC issued these instructions. Human casualties from the heat wave condition should be prevented at all costs. In the event that information or news reports are received, the commissioner’s office should be notified immediately.
During the next few days, high solar insolation and northwesterly or westerly dry air are likely to cause the maximum temperature to rise by two or three degrees in many odisha districts. Over the next four days, the day temperature in some parts of Odisha is likely to be greater than 40 degrees and three to five degrees Celsius above normal. When going outside between 11 am and 3 pm during the day, people are advised to take precautions.
District collectors were requested to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures, as the heat wave trend is expected to continue for some more days. In urban and rural areas, homeless and needy people can use shelters, community buildings, and other public buildings as day shelters.
These shelters can be set up with separate arrangements for men and women, including safe drinking water and ORS sachets. People and livestock should be protected from the heat wave condition with public awareness campaigns and leaflets containing do’s and don’ts.
Markets, bus stops, and other areas where people gather must have a drinking water kiosk. For roaming livestock, shallow vats need to be constructed and repaired. Education institutions and academic/technical institutions must ensure that drinking water is available. Students and staff should receive sufficient quantities of ORS whenever necessary.
The SRC recommended allocating some time during school hours for students to learn about heat wave precautions.