Heat wave claims lives in Visakhapatnam and other parts of Andhra

Andhra Pradesh has officially recorded three deaths in the last week due to heat wave as per Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). These deaths, caused by the heat wave, have been reported from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Chittoor respectively. But the government is yet to confirm whether these deaths were caused by the heat wave. As on date, Polavaram has recorded a high of 46.9 degrees Celsius, the highest so far in the State. Nellore and Ongole have reached up to 45 degrees Celsius.

Reportedly, Mr. Kishan Sanku, Sector Expert (SEOC In-charge) APSDMA, has informed that 433 heat stroke victims have been reported from throughout the State. Kadapa having a maximum share with 179 people.

The authorities are taking measures, by involving several other Government departments, to minimise the fatalities due to the heat wave. This includes providing timely updated information to the different departments in order to execute the required action. The plan also includes providing information to the Mandal level Village Revenue Officer (VRO).

The VRO also plans to conduct awareness programmes on the dos and the don’ts during a heat wave and the distribution of ORS salt packets at medical clinics and hospitals says Mr. Kishan, the Sector Expert at the State Emergency Operations Centre(SEOC). Reportedly, above 7 lakh ORS packets have been distributed so far. An estimated 25 thousand water dispensing kiosks have been set up throughout the state in association with local NGOs and communities.

It may be noted that earlier, a traffic cop too succumbed to sunstroke in Visakhapatnam.