Odisha Issues Heat Wave Advisory to Safeguard Public Health

Bhubaneswar: With Odisha experiencing severe heat wave conditions, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Satyabrata Sahu, has issued a comprehensive advisory to mitigate the risks associated with the extreme temperatures. The advisory, directed at the Collectors of Angul, Bolangir, Bargarh, Boudh, Gajapati, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Sundargarh, aims to protect vulnerable populations and ensure public safety.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, 19 stations across the state have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C, with the heat wave expected to persist for the next five days. The affected stations include Jharsuguda, Titlagarh, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Sonepur, Bhawanipatna, Bolangir, Hirakud, Rourkela, Nuapada, Boudh, Sundargarh, Phulbani, Angul, Talcher, Keonjhar, Paralakhemundi, and Rayagada.

Key Precautionary Measures Advised:
Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Public is advised to minimize outdoor activities during the peak heat hours of 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM.

Appropriate Clothing: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothing.

Head Protection: Use wet cloths, hats, or umbrellas when outside during peak hours.

Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water even if not thirsty, and use Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) or homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), sugarcane juice, lemon water, and buttermilk.

Worker Safety: Workers should avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, schedule strenuous tasks for cooler times, and increase the frequency and length of rest breaks. Special attention should be given to pregnant workers and those with medical conditions.

Public Awareness: Conduct public miking to advise on heat wave precautions and keep hospitals ready for heat-related emergencies.

Transport Measures: Ensure buses carry drinking water, ORS, and ice cubes. Passengers should use shoes, sandals, and umbrellas and carry water.

The SRC emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of these advisories and requested that districts share videos and photographs of public miking activities in the Team Emergency Response Odisha Group. He warned that any violation of these instructions would be dealt with severely under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.