HEAT WAVES
1. Context
In recent times, heatwave deaths have been reported in various parts of India, prompting urgent action from the government. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a meeting with senior officials from the India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority and the Health Ministry to address this issue. The meeting focused on deploying central teams to affected states, developing prevention plans and raising awareness.
2. About Heat Wave
- A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, a common phenomenon in India during the months of May-June and in some rare cases even extends till July.
- Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies heat waves according to regions and temperature ranges. As per IMD, the number of heatwave days in India has increased from 413 over 1981-1990 to 600 over 2011-2020.
- This sharp rise in the number of heatwave days has resulted due to the increasing impact of climate change.
- The last three years have been La Niña years, which has served as a precursor to 2023 likely being an El Niño year. (The El Niño is a complementary phenomenon in which warmer water spreads westeast across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.)
- As we eagerly await the likely birth of an El Niño this year, we have already had a heat wave occur over northwest India.
- Heat waves tend to be confined to north and northwest India in El Niño years.
3. Understanding the Effects of Heat on the Body
Heat Exhaustion Occurs when excessive sweating leads to the draining of the body's resources, but it is not life-threatening. Recovery is possible by rehydrating and seeking cooler areas.
Heat stroke Results from an inability to regulate core body temperature, leading to severe symptoms and potential organ damage. Promptly reducing core temperature is crucial in these cases.
4. Symptoms and Medical care
Signs of heat stroke Extremely high body temperature without sweating, drowsiness, vomiting, reduced urination and impaired breathing.
Vulnerable populations Older adults, young children and individuals with comorbidities are more susceptible to heat-related impacts. However, heat stroke can affect individuals of any age.
5. Preventive Measure to Avoid Heat Stroke
Minimize exposure Stay indoors or seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially between noon and 3 pm. Avoid strenuous activities during this time.
Stay hydrated Drink water regularly, even if not feeling thirsty. Consume hydrating fluids such as lassi, lemon water, buttermilk or ORS to maintain electrolyte balance.
Clothing and accessories Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes. Use goggles, umbrellas and appropriate footwear for protection.
Home cooling Use curtains or shades to keep homes cool. Utilize damp clothes and cod baths to lower body temperature.
6. Role of Humidity and Night-time Temperatures
High humidity Increased perceived temperature and reduces the effectiveness of sweat evaporation, making it harder to cool down.
High night-time temperatures Light the body's recovery time, hindering the restoration of resources. Low night temperatures are essential for adequate recuperation.
7. Linking Heatwaves to Climate Change and Global Implications
Rising global temperatures Climate Change contributes to increased heatwave frequency and intensity, impacting human health.
Health Risks and Socioeconomic Impact Heatwaves can cause additional deaths, public health emergencies, reduced labour productivity and disruptions to essential services.
8. Criteria for Declaring Heat Waves in India
- In plains maximum temperature of at least 40 °C or more
- In Hilly regions maximum temperature of at least 30 °C or more
- Severe heat wave departure from normal temperature exceeds 6.40 °C
9. Impact of heat waves on Health
Health impacts of heat Heat-related illnesses range from heat cramps to heatstroke and hyperthermia. Heat can also worsen existing conditions and lead to premature death.
Indirect health effects Heat affects human behaviour, disease transmission, health services, air quality and critical infrastructure.
10. Conclusion
- Addressing heatwave deaths in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention, public awareness and preventive measures.
- By understanding the effects of heat on the body, recognizing critical symptoms and implementing preventive strategies, the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities can be reduced.
- Additionally, acknowledging the role of climate change and preparing for future heat waves is essential for safeguarding public health.
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For Prelims: Heatwave, India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority, the Health Ministry, ORS, Humidity, high temperatures
For Mains:
1. Climate change is considered a contributing factor to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves. Discuss the measures that can be taken at national and international levels to address climate change and minimize its impact on public health. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Arrange the following India Meteorological Headquarters in Chronological order of their establishment and select your correct answer from the codes given below: (UPPSC Civil Service 2018)
A. New Delhi
B. Kolkata
C. Shimla
D. Pune
1. C D A B 2. B A D C 3. D B C A 4. B C D A
Answer: 4
2. Consider the following statements: (MPSC Forest Services 2019)
(a) The Disaster Management Act was passed by the Parliament in 2005.
(b) The Union Home Minister Acts as a Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
(c) The NDMA may have not more than nine members including Vice-Chairman.
(d) The tenure of the members of NDMA shall be five years.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. (a), (b) and (c) 2. (a), (c) and (d) 3. (b), (c) and (d) 4. All above
Answer: 2
3. National Disaster Management Authority is headed by (CDS 2021)
A. the Prime Minister. B. the Home Minister C. the President. D. the Health Minister.
Answer: A
4. With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
5. Consider the following statement: (UPSC 2018)
1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of the Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
6. What is the full form of ORS? (NHM UP CHO 2021)
A. Oral Recovered Solution
B. Oral Rehydration Salts
C. Oral Regenerate Salts
D. Oral Regenerate Solution
Answer: B
7. Consider the following statements with regard to atmospheric humidity: (UPSC ESE 2018)
1. Absolute humidity is the amount of water vapour per unit volume.
2. Hygrometer is used to measure relative humidity.
3. Dew point is the temperature at which the relative humidity is 75%.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
8. Relative humidity is (ISRO Scientist Civil 2020)
A. Something concerned with air conditioning
B. The ratio of moisture present in air to the capability of air to hold maximum moisture
C. The ratio of actual humidity to absolute humidity
D. Representative of amount of moisture held in air
Answer: B
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Source: The Indian Express & WHO
