Schools closed as Heatwave sweeps Bihar and Jharkhand, summer vacations extended in other states
Patna: India is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with scorching temperatures engulfing various parts of the country. The Meteorological Department has issued a concerning forecast, indicating that the outbreak of hot winds will intensify in several states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Vidarbha, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The situation has become particularly critical in Bihar, where a red alert has been issued in response to the heatwave.
According to the Meteorological Department’s predictions, strong hot winds are expected to prevail in certain areas of Odisha and Vidarbha for the next four days. Additionally, West Bengal and Jharkhand will experience a more intense heatwave over the next three days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and East Madhya Pradesh will be under heatwave conditions for the next two days. Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Madhya Pradesh will endure scorching temperatures for the next 24 hours.
The heatwave has shattered records in Bihar, where schools up to class 12 have been closed until June 24 to ensure the safety of students. This year’s heatwave has surpassed the previous record set 11 years ago, with the current spell lasting for 20 consecutive days. The last extended heatwave, observed in 2012, endured for 19 days. Similar measures have been taken in Jharkhand, where school holidays have been declared until June 17. In Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, summer vacations have been extended to safeguard residents from the scorching heat.
According to the report, with an extreme heatwave prevailing in North India, at least 98 people have died in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to severe heat in the last three days.
While 34 people admitted at a district hospital in Ballia died due to the heat, the number of heat-related deaths reported from Bihar stands at 44. At least 400 people were admitted to a district hospital n Ballia with complaints of fever, breathlessness, and other health complications, according to India Today.
Most of the patients who died in Ballia were aged above 60.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jayant Kumar said that the UP district is reeling under severe heat and people are getting admitted to the hospital for treatment.
He said that there have been 34 deaths in two days, of which 23 deaths were reported on June 15 and 11 on June 16.
While the majority of the country grapples with oppressive heat, certain regions are expected to receive relief in the form of heavy rainfall. The influence of cyclonic storm Biparjoy is anticipated to bring substantial rains to the southwest and southeast regions of Rajasthan. In North East Rajasthan, light to moderate rainfall is forecasted. West Madhya Pradesh and South West Uttar Pradesh are predicted to experience rain on Monday and Tuesday, while some areas of North Gujarat may encounter heavy showers today. The North Eastern states are expected to witness heavy rain for the next few days.
As India faces the wrath of the relentless heatwave, it is crucial for citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the scorching temperatures. Staying hydrated, avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities during peak hours, and seeking shelter in well-ventilated spaces are essential measures to safeguard against heat-related illnesses. Additionally, individuals are advised to keep a close eye on weather updates and adhere to guidelines provided by local authorities to ensure their well-being during this challenging period.
Source Google News
