With a severe heat wave warning issued for several districts of Uttarakhand, the administration on Thursday advised children, senior citizens, and outdoor workers to take extra care and stay safe.
The weather office said temperatures in the plains may go above 40 degrees Celsius, while hill districts are also likely to cross 30 degrees Celsius.
Dehradun Meteorological Centre director C S Tomar said temperatures will rise in parts of Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Uttarkashi.
The state capital Dehradun has been facing intense heat since Wednesday morning, with steadily rising temperatures. The district administration and health department have instructed hospitals and medical units to stay on high alert.
Senior Medical Officer Dr S K Jha advised residents to avoid going out unnecessarily between 11 am and 4 pm. He said those who must step out should cover their heads with an umbrella or cloth and protect their face from direct sun.
Dr Jha also urged people to drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration. He said anyone feeling symptoms like dizziness, headache, high fever, vomiting, or fainting during the heat wave should immediately go to the nearest hospital. He warned that even small negligence can lead to serious health problems.
The district administration has appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow safety measures. Officials said awareness and caution are very important to reduce the impact of the heat wave.
District Magistrate Savin Bansal ordered the activation of the District Emergency Operations Centre to manage heat wave assistance and complaints. People can contact helpline numbers 2726066 and 2626066, or use WhatsApp number 7534826066 for help. Authorities have also issued an orange alert, warning of a very high risk of forest fires across Uttarakhand for the next seven days.
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