Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Feb 28: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) have issued a heatwave warning for the coastal regions of Karnataka for the next two days. The authorities have urged the public to take necessary precautions as temperatures in several areas have already crossed 40 degrees Celsius and are expected to rise further. The extreme heat poses health risks, including heatstroke.
According to KSNDMC data, the recorded temperatures in various locations are as follows: In Dakshina Kannada (DK), Sullia recorded 40.4°C, Uppinangady 39.6°C, Pane Mangaluru 39.4°C, and Kokkada 40.4°C. In Udupi, Brahmavar registered 39.1°C, Kota 39.5°C, Vandse 39.9°C, and Ajjarkadu 39.5°C. In Uttara Kannada, Sawantwadi recorded 41.1°C, Bhatkal 40.4°C, Belekeri 39.8°C, Mavalli 39°C, Mavinakuruvai 39.5°C, Gadasai 40.7°C, Mirjan 40.5°C, Honnavar 39.4°C, and Basagod 40.1°C. The prevailing heatwave conditions are expected to persist for the next two days.
In light of the increasing temperatures, the disaster management authorities of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have issued precautionary guidelines. People are advised to avoid going out or working under direct sunlight between 12 PM and 3 PM. It is essential to drink plenty of water even if not feeling thirsty and wear light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes. When stepping out in the sun, individuals should use protective eyewear, umbrellas, hats, boots, or sandals.
To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to limit the intake of alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks. High-protein foods should be avoided, and fresh, easily digestible meals should be consumed instead. Individuals working outdoors should wear caps or use umbrellas and keep their heads, necks, faces, and limbs covered with wet cloths. Children and pets should not be left inside parked vehicles.
If anyone experiences dizziness, fainting, or other health complications due to the heat, immediate medical attention should be sought. Staying hydrated is crucial, and people should consume ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), homemade drinks such as rice water, lemon water, and buttermilk. Pets should be kept in shaded areas and provided with sufficient drinking water.
To maintain a cool indoor environment, residents are advised to use curtains, shutters, or sunshades and keep windows open at night for ventilation. Using fans and wet cloths to cool down and taking cold showers is also recommended. In the case of sunstroke, the affected person should be moved to a cool, shaded place, wiped with a wet cloth, and have normal-temperature water poured on their head to reduce body heat. Providing ORS, lemon juice, or rice water can help with rehydration, and the person should be taken to the nearest health center immediately.
Additionally, after coming in from the heat, people should avoid drinking excessively cold water or switching to air conditioning immediately.