State govt sounds heat wave alert as coastal districts brace for soaring temperatures

Vijayawada: With “feels-like” temperatures expected to soar across coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next week, the state govt has placed all urban local bodies (ULBs) on high alert and directed civic authorities to launch an intensive heat wave response to prevent casualties and protect vulnerable sections. Anticipating severe hot weather conditions between May 20 and May 26, principal secretary of the municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department S Suresh Kumar instructed municipal commissioners, particularly in central and north coastal districts, to remain in emergency response mode and ensure uninterrupted civic services. The state govt warned that there should be no laxity in field-level implementation as rising humidity and extreme temperatures could pose serious health risks, especially to sanitation workers, outdoor labourers, street vendors, homeless persons and elderly citizens.As part of the emergency preparedness measures, ULBs have been asked to intensify awareness campaigns through public announcement systems, ward secretariats, municipal vehicles, local cable networks, social media platforms and electronic display boards. Authorities have been directed to widely circulate heat wave advisories, precautionary guidelines and ward-wise alerts among the public. Suresh Kumar also ordered civic bodies to establish drinking water facilities at bus stands, markets, hospitals, schools, labour congregation points, Anna Canteens and other crowded public locations.Temporary water kiosks, tanker supply arrangements and cooling shelters are to be operationalised on priority in vulnerable and water-scarce areas. He asked the officials to closely coordinate with the medical and health department to monitor heat-related illnesses and extend timely assistance to affected citizens. Ward-level monitoring teams have been asked to focus on safeguarding high-risk groups during peak daytime temperatures.Municipal authorities have also been directed to regulate outdoor civic works during afternoon hours while ensuring uninterrupted sanitation services, water supply management and water quality monitoring. Control rooms in all ULBs will function round the clock for emergency response and grievance redressal. Suresh Kumar directed municipal commissioners to personally review preparedness measures on a daily basis and adopt a proactive strategy to minimise heat-related incidents. He further instructed the commissioner and director of municipal administration (CDMA) and regional directors to closely monitor implementation and submit periodic compliance reports to the state govt.