Telangana plans app to give alerts on heat waves

Sunstroke claims 66 lives so far this summer

Hyderabad: Alarmed by the prevailing heat wave situation that has claimed 66 lives so far this summer in the state, the Telangana government is launching an ‘app’ to alert people about fast-changing weather conditions through mobiles phones. The IT (Information Technology) department has been asked to create the app and bring into effect immediately.

According to the State Disaster Management  Authority, the highest number of deaths due to  sunstroke have been reported from  Mahbubnagar (28), followed by Medak (14), Nizamabad (7),  Khammam (5),  Karimnagar (5),  Warangal (4) and two deaths were registered in Nalgonda district. No heat-related deaths have been reported in Ranga Reddy, Adilabad and Hyderabad districts.

The officials of the disaster management attributed the deaths to the prevailing early heat wave conditions and the sudden increase in the temperatures during day time.  The death count in a short period has been high in the last one decade in Telangana districts. In 2002-03, nearly 100 deaths were reported in a span of three weeks during summer. Normally, in Hyderabad it is hot during day time but evenings were known to be pleasant. But this year, the night temperatures are two degrees above normal.

As part of the measures to prevent heat-related deaths, the officials said a heat wave action plan has been prepared. Alerts have already been sounded in the districts that are affected by heat wave. On Wednesday, the highest temperature of 45 degree Celsius was recorded in Nalgonda district.  Timing for working engaged under MGNRES (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) has been changed.

They would be allowed to work in the fields only during mornings and evenings. The Revenue department and local body officials are already working in tandem to provide relief to the people living in villages.  Drinking water supply and oral rehydration packets are being made available at all busy areas and bus stations. Required funds have been made available in all districts.

The Centre has released Rs 380 crore as part of the calamity relief fund. The state government is waiting for the release of remaining Rs 400 crore from the Centre. The Centre has sanctioned only Rs 780 crore as against the state’s request for Rs 3000 cr in the drought-affected mandals this year.