No Respite From Heat
Extreme heatwave persists across India, including Nagaland’s Dimapur and Chümoukedima, raising health risks and concerns for schools and public safety.
- As New Delhi is boiling due to the prevailing extreme heat,
the Union Health Ministry has urged people to stay indoors during peak hours,
eat lower-calorie food, stay hydrated and not leave kids or pets in parked
vehicles. “Call 108/102 if someone shows signs of heatstroke,” it added.
Unfortunately, there is no respite in sight, with the India Meteorological
Department (IMD) having issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning that the
temperatures could soar to 45 degrees Celsius. Similar alerts have been issued
for several other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab, as
the mercury has shot up across the country. This came as several states,
particularly in the northern region, recorded above 40 degrees Celsius this
week, affecting the lives of the people. Nagaland too has been experiencing
severe heatwaves over the past few days, particularly in Dimapur, Chümoukedima
and Niuland districts, leaving residents desperate for relief. It has left many
parents worried for the well-being of their school-going children. Their
concern holds water, as some schools may not have fans, and even those with
them may not have electric generators to keep them running during a power
outage, which is normal. The health risk posed by heatwaves can’t be ignored. With
the weather condition not expected to get any better, school authorities should
ensure that basic infrastructure and facilities are in place for the wellbeing
of students as well as enhance learning outcomes.
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned
that South Asian countries could experience heatwaves even in the monsoon –
with more frequency and intensity. It may be mentioned that India has, indeed,
been experiencing heat early over the last few years. This is a warning sign
that should be taken seriously. As per the Health Ministry, over 100 people
succumbed to heatwaves in India last year, while more than 40,000 suspected
cases of heat stroke were recorded. In Nagaland too, schools located in and
around Dimapur were forced to extend summer break due to extreme heat. And it
seems like there won’t be any respite from heat this year too, as most parts of
the country are experiencing above-normal temperatures. This calls for an
urgent need to take preventive measures to address the health risk posed by
extreme heat. The way forward is adopting both short-term and long-term
mitigation strategies, including community-based preparedness and awareness
about heat-related illnesses, which includes strengthening public health
systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Failing to do so will have a
cascading effect on public health, businesses, the environment, agriculture,
and whatnot.
