NDMA reviews heat wave situation with states

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today reviewed the heat wave situation in the country and asked the state government to take maximum precautions and give relief to people.
The meeting was called in view of the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast that heat wave situation will prevail in the country for the next 15 days.
The NDMA reviewed effective preparedness and mitigation of the heat wave prone states, an official spokesperson said.
NDMA member R K Jain, who chaired the meeting, requested the participating states to ensure that public awareness campaigns are leveraged to inform and educate people about the simple ways of mitigating and managing heat waves.

A detailed review of the preparedness of the states in terms of having a heat wave action plan, providing shelters, drinking water, change in timings to avoid peak heat impact for labourers, medical treatment, etc. Were discussed.
Officials from the states apprised NDMA of their preparedness plans to reduce mortality and heat wave related illnesses this summer.

Advising the states to draw their plans on heat wave guidelines issued by NDMA, the Authority underlined the importance of coordination amongst all agencies with well-defined roles and responsibilities.
The NDMA also asked states to train all stakeholders so that swift action can be taken during any panic situation.

During the meeting, NDMA also emphasised the need to create a data base related to heat wave deaths and illnesses.
Officials from 12 most heat wave-prone states, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and Indian Meteorological Department participated in the meeting.