PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 17: IMD’s Ranchi Meteorological Centre this afternoon issued an alert of heat wave in isolated pockets of Jharkhand for two days from Tuesday, April 18 .
According to a special bulletin issued by IMD, heat wave condition is expected to prevail in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra , Latehar , Godda, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur and three districts of Kolhan – East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela- Kharsawan.
According to the weather bulletin, a heat wave alert has been issued for northeast, north-west and southeast Jharkhand.
The weather department has predicted a dry spell in Jharkhand with the maximum temperature climbing up by three to four degrees above normal in several parts from Tuesday.
Head of Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand said, ” The mercury will witness a rising trend in the absence of any weather system. Most places across the state would experience dry weather with a gradual rise in temperature by another two to three degree Celsius from Tuesday. There is possibility of thunderstorm activity around Thursday,” he said.
IMD’s Ranchi Meteorological Centre also issued an expected impact of the heat wave condition. It said the heat wave could lead to a moderate health concern for vulnerable people like infants, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to the sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work. It also suggested certain actions and measures to tackle heat wave conditions.
Avoid exposure to heat and prefer staying in a cool place. Drink sufficient water – even if not thirsty. The measures also suggested wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes and covering the head with a cloth, hat or umbrella. It also suggested the use of ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep oneself hydrated.
Notably, the Jharkhand health department has recently issued a heatwave advisory and a directive for daily surveillance reports of heat-related illnesses with temperatures in nearly half of the state’s districts (out of 24) touching 40 degree Celsius mark.
The advisory contains preventive steps to be taken against heatwaves and loo.
Twenty-three out of 24 districts of the state have received no rainfall between April 7 and April 16.
Meanwhile, the Parents Association in Jamshedpur submitted a memorandum with the deputy commissioner East Singhbhum Vijaya Jadhav requesting alteration in school timings due to the intense heat.
Education department sources said some schools have already altered the class schedule while others would follow suit in a day or two.
