Karnataka issues guidelines to tackle heatwave: ‘Stay indoors from noon to 3 pm, avoid dehydration, keep pets in shade’

The circular advised people to remain indoors during peak temperatures, especially between noon and 3 pm. It suggested that people drink plenty of water regularly, wear light-coloured and cotton clothes, use goggles and an umbrella/hat, and avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and other carbonated drinks that can dehydrate the body.

The circular recommended keeping pets in the shade and providing them with plenty of water to drink, among other measures. It directed people to see a doctor if they feel dizzy or sick due to soaring temperatures.

“At present, some parts of the state’s north hinterland, south hinterland and coastal areas are recording temperatures 2-3 degrees above normal which can be harmful to both humans and animals. IMD has indicated that the upcoming hot weather in Karnataka will be above normal during April-May 2024. The forecast increase in temperature is likely to exceed normal heatwave days across the state by 2-14 days. Also, since 223 taluks have already been declared as drought-prone taluks in the state, it is suitable to give suggestions to prevent and reduce the adverse effect of the heat wave,” the government noted in its circular.

The IMD also predicted that heatwaves will likely prevail from April 4 to April 6 in Kalaburgi, Hubballi, Hosapete, and Ballari. However, on the positive side, IMD predicted rainfall in Bengaluru from April 13-14, after Ugadi.

The government also warned against health effects of heatwaves such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and to identify these effects with symptoms. “Swelling and fainting are usually accompanied by fever below 102 degrees Fahrenheit, causing heat cramps. Sunstroke can be identified with symptoms like body temperature rising to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and changes in breathing and loss of consciousness,” the government has stated.

The disaster management authority also directed district collectors to prevent heatwave-related illness by disseminating forecasts/warning issued by the IMD and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) , enabling IEC (Information Education Communication) prepared by the health department to create awareness about the adverse effects of heatwave, identifying cities, towns, villages prone to heatwaves and ensure availability of drinking water facilities among other measures.

The government has also directed district-level authorities to provide drinking water facilities at markets, bus stands, bus terminals and other crowded places, store veterinary drugs prescribed for treating animal heat-related diseases and provide essential drinking water to motorists.

Further, the government directed regional commissioners and district collectors to consult with officials of the water resources department to reserve storage of water in reservoirs for drinking water purposes on a priority basis.

“Based on the data of previous years, the villages where there is shortage of drinking water have already been identified and the condition of these villages will be monitored,” the circular stated.

The government announced that measures have been taken to ensure drinking water supply through tankers and private borewells, as needed. Additionally, a contingency plan has been formulated as an alternative strategy to address any unforeseen water supply issues.

The authority directed officials to conduct frequent inspections of fire safety in hospitals, industries, and crowded places to prevent fire during heatwaves.