Amaravati, May 23: In response to the ongoing severe heatwave in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed local authorities to declare holidays in areas most affected by the extreme temperatures.
The Chief Minister urged officials to remain vigilant and take immediate action to protect citizens from the harsh effects of the heat. He instructed them to identify regions experiencing the highest temperatures and to continuously issue warnings and advice to residents in those areas.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the intensity of the heat has significantly increased due to severe El Niño conditions. They reported that during the extreme El Niño year of 2015, the state recorded a maximum temperature of 50.1 degrees Celsius, and this year, similar conditions have led to temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius.
In the past three days, temperatures have surged from 45 degrees Celsius to 48 degrees Celsius. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of increasing green cover across the state, noting that improved groundwater levels contribute to greenery and help mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures.
He highlighted that Annamayya district has recorded relatively lower temperatures compared to other districts. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to provide relief to the public by making drinking water, buttermilk, and ORS packets available at crowded places and public gathering sites.
He instructed district collectors to raise awareness about heat prevention measures and to continuously disseminate information through media and social media platforms. The Chief Minister reiterated that saving lives is the government’s top priority and urged people to exercise caution when going outside during the hottest hours of the day.
He advised vulnerable groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with health issues, to avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM. Additionally, he directed district collectors and block-level officials to be fully prepared to handle emergencies arising from adverse weather conditions.
Officials reported that 1,349 cooling centers and heat shelters have been established in urban areas, and arrangements have been made at 446 traffic intersections to provide shade for drivers and police personnel. The Chief Minister also suggested providing water troughs and earthen pots for animals and birds suffering from the heat.
He instructed officials to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water in both rural and urban areas and to supply water via tankers wherever necessary.
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