Amid an unusual rise in maximum temperature at some places in the country, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday issued advisory listing dos and don'ts to safeguard against possible heat stroke.
New Delhi: February this year was the hottest month in India since 1877 with an average maximum temperature of 29.54 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said temperatures are expected to be above normal in most parts of the country, while the southern peninsula and parts of Maharashtra are likely to avoid severe weather conditions.
S C Bhan, head of IMD's Hydromet and Agromet Advisory Services, said at a virtual press conference that there is less chance of a heat wave in March, but most parts of the country may experience extreme weather conditions in April and May. Responding to a question linking the development to global warming, he told reporters that since 1877, the monthly average maximum temperature in February this year was the highest. Asked whether higher temperatures are a sign of climate change, Bhan said, "The whole world is in the era of global warming. We are living in a warming world."
Ministry of Health issued advisory
Amid unusual rise in temperature at some places in the country, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday issued an advisory listing dos and don'ts to protect against possible heat stroke. The list was released after the India Meteorological Department issued the first heat warning for the year 2023. As part of the National Action Plan to combat heat-related illnesses, the ministry has advised citizens to avoid consuming and cooking protein-rich food during the scorching heat. Apart from this, people have been asked not to go out in strong sunlight, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.
Drink more and more water for protection
In the advisory, the ministry has asked people to drink as much water as possible, even if they are not thirsty. People have been asked to use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), home-made beverages such as lemon-water, curd, buttermilk, lassi, fruit juices with salt. Apart from this, it has been advised to stay in a ventilated and cool place in the house. In this, people have been advised to eat fresh fruits like watermelon, cucumber, lemon, orange and wear light-colored thin-loose clothes.
Leave the house only when absolutely necessary
In the advisory, it has been advised not to step out barefoot and to cover the head with umbrella, cap, towel or any other traditional thing while going out in the open sun. People have been asked to watch for symptoms of 'heat stress', which include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, unusually dark yellow urine, decreased urination and Includes increased rate of breathing and heart rate. It has been advised not to leave children and pets in a parked vehicle, as the temperature inside the vehicle can prove to be dangerous.
Amid unusual rise in temperature at some places in the country, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday issued an advisory listing dos and don'ts to guard against a possible heatstroke.New Delhi: Since 1877 in India, Since February this year was the hottest month with an average maximum temperature of 29.54°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said temperatures are expected to be above normal in most parts of the country, while the southern peninsula and parts of Maharashtra are likely to avoid severe weather conditions.