Q. Consider the following statements:
1.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
2.A heatwave’s severity is determined by its departure from normal temperature.
3.Heat Action Plans (HAPs) are strategies designed to reduce the negative effects of heatwaves.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions. The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills. A heatwave’s severity is determined by its departure from normal temperature. There is a ‘normal heatwave’ when the departure is by 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius and a ‘severe heatwave’ if the departure is greater. HAPs are policy documents that outline measures to be taken by government agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals to reduce the adverse effects of heatwaves on public health and other sectors.
Source: The Hindu
