As IMD predicts heatwave in parts of Telangana, Health Department issues advisory

Telangana health department put out an advisory asking the public to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.

Published Apr 19, 2024 | 6:46 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 19, 2024 | 7:27 PM

Since the beginning of April, temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius have been recorded in many parts of the country. (iStock)

Representational image. (iStock)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday, 19 April, issued a weather bulletin predicting heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of 20 districts in Telangana, and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph in some other places on Saturday.

After the IMD issued a yellow heatwave alert, the Telangana health department on Friday put out an advisory asking the public to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.

The department also advised people to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar as they lead to loss of fluids in the body and may cause stomach cramps.

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Advisory issued

The Telangana Health Department issued the circular listing the do’s and don’ts during the heatwave situation.

Stay hydrated: The department advised people to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water and consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content.
Stay covered: It also advised people to wear thin loose cotton garments preferably light-coloured, and use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gear during exposure to direct sunlight.
Stay indoors as much as possible: The department asked the people to stay in well-ventilated and cool places, and block direct sunlight and heat waves.
Stay alert: It also advised people to be informed regarding the weather by listening to the radio, watching TV, and reading Newspapers.

It also listed what not to do in the situation.

Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm
Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon
Do not go out barefoot
Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar, as these actually lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps
Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food
Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle

The department further asked the people to seek immediate medical attention from nearby government health facilities if any of the following is observed:

Altered mental sensorium with disorientation: confusion and agitation, irritability, ataxia, seizure and coma
Hot, red and dry skin
Body temperature ≥40 degree Celsius or 104 degree Fahrenheit
Throbbing headache
Anxiety, Dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid, shallow breathing