Heat Waves

Question 1

Heatwaves - Intro

Answer 1

It is a period of abnormally high temperature, accompanied with strong hot winds
2015-18 have been the four warmest years on record - WMO
* For plains more than 40 degrees.
* For coastal stations more than 37 degrees.
* For hilly regions more than 30 degrees.
* There have been 32 heatwaves affecting 23 states in 2019 (update)
MAP MANDATORY

Question 2

NDMA guidelines

Answer 2

1. Preparing a heat wave plan based on vulnerability assessment - Odisha has a dedicated heat wave committee under Odisha state disaster management authority
2. Establish early warning system and inter- agency coordination to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures.
3. Identification of colour code signals for heat alert
4. Preparing hospitals for dealing with heat related illness
5. 5. Short term measures and Long term measures

Question 3

Short term measures

Answer 3

1. installing temporary kiosks for shelter, especially for MGNREGA workers
2. Distribution of water, medicine
3. Focussing on traditional methods like eating onions, drinking raw mango juice etc. to boost immunity against heat waves
4. Collaboration with non - government and civil society for building temporary shelters wherever necessary, availing drinking water facilities in public areas.

Question 4

Long term measures -

Answer 4

1. Integrate climate change in heat wave plans
2. Capacity building and traininig programme for healthcare professionals at local level (PHC, CHC) to recognise and respond to heat related illnesses.
3. Public awareness and community outreach on how to protect against extreme heat wave through print and social media and IEC campaign especially for vulnerable sections
4. Better urban planning to mitigate the Urban heat islant effect like developing vertical gardens, water fountations etc.