Prayagraj: : With the heatwave raging unrelentingly, the Sangam City on Thursday once again stood the hottest in the state at 44.4 degrees Celsius and also the second fiercest furnace in the nation after Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.According to IMD, the minimum stood at 24.8 degrees Celsius, 0.8 units above normal. Weather experts said similar conditions will continue in the coming days. Doctors have urged citizens to take all precautions against heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. The health department said cool rooms have been set up at all government health units, including community health centres, and advised people to avoid going out between 12 noon and 4 pm.To tackle heat, municipal authorities have set up shade points at prominent crossings and intersections. Besides, Jal Nigam authorities are setting up water kiosks at static points.A senior health official pointed out that there are few cases of heat related illness reported in government health units but cases of itching and other skin ailments related to heat are reported more. He however cautioned citizens particularly kids and elderly to take maximum care at the ongoing summer season.As mercury continues to soar, authorities of health department have set up cold rooms at govt hospitals, including community and primary health centres, along with reserving beds to treat patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, while ensuring 24×7 power supply. The department has also taken up extensive campaign to create awareness among masses about dos and don’ts in view of rising atmospheric temperature. Medical units are setting up ORS counters and ensuring availability of ice packs.Prayagraj chief medical officer Dr AK Tiwari told TOI, “In view of rising temperatures and heatwave conditions, special arrangements have been made at all health units.” He added, “The process of setting up cold rooms is underway at all community health centers after reserving beds for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, if any.”A health official said, “Electric audit of hospitals, including CHCs, is being conducted in view of summer season and teams are checking all electric equipments, wiring, and other arrangements at hospitals. Posters have been put up at hospitals and other static locations in the district to create awareness about heat-related precautions.Health officials on Thursday issued a set of advisories appealing to residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses.State authorities have also come up with UP state Heat Action plan with the slogan ‘Haaregi Garmi – Jeetega Pradesh’. Apart from elaborating on symptoms of heatstroke such as high core body (internal organs) temperature, extreme dehydration, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and severe headache, delirium, hot/dry skin, or, in some cases, heavy sweating, alongside rapid, shallow breathing. Those exposed to heat are advised to take rest, avoid tea, coffee and liquor, cut down exercise, eat fresh fruits, drink ample water, bathe regularly, wear loose clothing, check outdoor time, and take special care of kids and elderly.
