Heat Waves

CONTEXT:  Recent increase in heatwave stroke incidents

WHAT IS HEAT WAVE?

A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR FORMATION OF HEAT WAVE?

Heat Waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.

The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions cause heat waves.

WHY THE VULNERABILITY TO THE HEAT WAVES IS INCREASING?

• Global warming is resulting into delayed monsoons and droughts. These are increasing the intensity of heat waves.
• El Nino effect
• Desertification and land degradation in North Western India is increasing. Due to this, Loo effect in Northern India is intensifying.
• Rapid and unplanned urbanisation. This is causing Urban Heat Island effect.
• Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change.

WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF HEAT WAVE?

1. The health impacts: Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F.
• Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
• Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potential fatal condition.

2. Crop Losses: Crop loss due to high temperature results into food insecurity, livelihood issues, etc
3. Effects on Nature

• Heat waves can lead to droughts with decrease in moisture in the air and soil. Moisture in soil helps in cooling down the temperature by evaporation
• Wildfires in open areas or forests become frequent due to heat waves.
• Coral bleaching in oceans can rise

4. Effects on Infrastructure and Economy

• Heat waves tests the ability of infrastructure to withstand the pressure created by increased energy demand.
• Electricity transmission line expands due to heat waves
• Transport services gets impacted
• Loss of labour efficiency

WHAT ARE THE NDMA GUIDELINES TO ADDRESS HEAT WAVE RISK?

In 2016, the National Disaster Management Agency prepared guidelines for state governments to formulate action plans for the prevention and management of heat waves. It outlined four key strategies:

1. Forecasting heat waves and enabling an early warning system;
2. Building capacity of healthcare professionals to deal with heat wave-related emergencies;
3. Community outreach through various media; and
4. Inter-agency cooperation as well as engagement with other civil society organizations in the region.

MITIGATIONAL MEASURES: