Nationwide Heatwave Awareness Campaign
Why in news?
Recently, the Ministry of Ayush launched a nationwide heatwave awareness campaign to create awareness about the consequences and the prevention methods for heatwaves.
- The initiative was to primarily educate citizens on heatwave prevention.
Relevance:
GS-02 GS-01 (Government policies and interventions, Geography)
What is a heat wave?
- A heatwave is a condition where temperature rises above normal and lasts for at least two consecutive days, causing severe health risks, environmental damage, and economic losses.
- The IMD defines a heatwave based on the maximum temperature thresholds specific to different regions. For example:
- In the plains, a heatwave is declared if the maximum temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
- In coastal areas and hills, the threshold is 37 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.
- India is especially susceptible to heat waves considering its tropical climate, which have escalated in frequency and intensity in recent times.
- The severity of a heatwave is determined by the departure of temperature from normal conditions, categorised as ‘normal’ ‘or’severe’ based on predefined ranges or actual maximum temperature thresholds.
- Heat Wave: Deviation from normal temperature ranges from 4.5°C to 6.4°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Deviation from normal temperature exceeds 6.4°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Occurs when the actual maximum temperature equals or surpasses 47°C.
Public Health Advisory by Ayush Vertical (DGHS):
Do’s:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water, buttermilk, coconut water, and fruit juices.
- Use cooling beverages like lemon juice, khus water, and herbal infusions.
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing and cover your head when outdoors.
- Prefer light meals and avoid heavy, oily foods.
- Consume hydrating fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon, and sugarcane juice.
- Apply cooling pastes of sandalwood and vetiver to lower body temperature.
- Take a midday nap to prevent exhaustion in extreme heat.
Don’ts:
- Avoid stepping out during peak heat hours (12 PM – 3 PM).
- Refrain from vigorous activities in the afternoon.
- Do not walk barefoot on hot surfaces.
- Reduce intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary carbonated drinks as they cause dehydration.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, as temperatures can rise dangerously.
Prelims Question
Q. Consider the following statements regarding heatwaves in India:
- A heatwave is declared in the plains when the maximum temperature reaches 40°C or more.
- In coastal regions, a heatwave is declared when the temperature exceeds 42°C.
- Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: In coastal regions, a heatwave is declared when the temperature reaches 37°C (not 42°C).
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