MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2025
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.
Published on Jun 12, 2025
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- 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.
Nagaland Districts
