Agartala (Tripura) [India], April 29 : As the scorching sun continues to beat down relentlessly, the intense heatwave has disrupted the daily lives of the residents of Tripura and increased the concerns over health and safety in the region.
Over the past few weeks, Tripura residents have been battling unusually high temperatures, with the mercury rising well above normal levels.
The oppressive heat, coupled with high humidity, has created unbearable conditions for residents, making even routine activities a challenge.
Local authorities have issued warnings urging people to take precautions and stay hydrated.
The elderly, children and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, and efforts are being made to ensure their well-being during this challenging period.
The blistering heat has taken its toll on various aspects of daily life in Tripura. Agricultural activities have been severely affected, leading to concerns about crop yield and food security.
Farmers are struggling to cope with the adverse conditions, raising fears of a potential agricultural crisis in the region and schools have been declared closed due to the blistering heat.
Additionally, the heatwave has disrupted transportation services, with roads shimmering under the relentless sun and public transport systems experiencing delays and cancellations.
Outdoor workers, such as construction labourers and street vendors, are facing heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, further exacerbating the situation.
In response to the crisis, local communities have come together to support one another. NGOs and volunteer groups have launched initiatives to distribute water, provide shelter, and offer medical assistance to those in need.
Community centres and religious institutions have opened their doors to provide relief from the heat and offer respite to vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, authorities are implementing measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave, including setting up temporary shelters, conducting awareness campaigns, and coordinating emergency response efforts.
However, challenges persist, and more support is needed to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
As Tripura continues to grapple with the relentless heatwave, the resilience and solidarity of its residents persists.
Despite the adversity, communities are coming together to support each other and weather the storm. However, urgent action is required to alleviate the suffering of those most affected and to prepare for future heat-related challenges.
As temperatures remain stubbornly high, the people of Tripura still remain hopeful for relief and respite from the oppressive heat.
Reacting to the severe heatwave, Deputy Medical Superintendent, of GBP Hospital, Doctor Kanak Choudhary said, "The summer condition is new to us. We are not habituated to such hot weather. Moreover, the hot weather is persistent. Though there is little rain, however, it has not been able to give the public any respite."
"It's the month of April, and the temperature touches about 38.5 degrees Celsius, we are anxious that the temperature may increase more in the coming months. We are worried about the increasing temperature," he said.
The doctor further said that children and the elderly suffer the most due to hot weather conditions.
Sharing measures to beat the heatwave, the doctor said, "We all must take an ample quantity of water to avoid dehydration. At least for any adult person 3 to 3.5 litres of water must be taken to avoid dehydration. And for children, water and fruits must be made available fruits like watermelons, cucumbers, pineapples and other seasonal fruits."
"Everyone must cover their body wearing full-sleeved shirts. Girls can wear scarves on their faces. Due to the presence of humidity in the atmosphere, we feel increased temperature. People having health issues like Kidney problems, heart problems, and mental problems, must avoid coming in the scorching heat."
Director of Weather Department, Partha Roy also spoke on the heatwave conditions and mentioned the possibility of rainfall in the state from May 1.
"The weather in Tripura has been hot and humid weather for the last few weeks. This is due to the cloudy sky and solar insulation. There is a probability of Rainfall throughout the state, though there is scary rainfall in the North District Tripura in the evening every day. From May 1 onwards there will be ample quantity of rainfall throughout the state. Along with this, there are chances of lightning, thundering and surface air during this period along with hail falling in some places," he said.
Amit Chandra Pal, a coconut seller said that there has been an increase in the demand for coconut water due to the rise in temperatures in the region.
"With the increase in temperature, there is an increase in demand for coconut water. Now the demand is very high, due to high temperature. We have been selling coconuts for Rs 60, 70 and even 80 since the demand is higher than before," he said.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that heat wave conditions continued to prevail in several parts of the country.
"Today, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed in most parts of Gangetic West Bengal. It continued in a few parts over Saurashtra and Kutch, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Odisha. Heatwave conditions were also witnessed in isolated pockets over Jharkhand, Kerala, Konkan and Rayalaseema," posted IMD.