In Maharashtra heatstroke deaths, the critical factor of humidity

Source: The post is based on the article “In Maharashtra heatstroke deaths, the critical factor of humidity” published in the Indian Express on 18th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS-3: Disaster Management.

Relevance: About the impact of heatstrokes.

News: Recently, thirteen people have died from an apparent heatstroke while attending a government award function in an open space in Navi Mumbai. This is possibly the biggest-ever heatwave-related death toll from a single event in the country.

What is a heat wave, and what are its implications?

In the 10 years between 2010 and 2020, reported heatwave-related deaths in India came down by more than 90%. States and district administrations started implementing heat action plans around 2015. The recent increase in heatwave-related deaths could also be because of improved monitoring and reporting of incidents.

How heatstroke can be fatal?

High temperature in itself is not fatal. The combination of high temperature and high humidity is referred to as the wet bulb temperature. This makes heat waves deadly.

High moisture content in the atmosphere makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate and bodies to cool down. This increases internal body temperature and is often fatal.

How does heatstroke impact productivity?

What can be done to mitigate the impact of heatstrokes during political gatherings?

Timely medical intervention is extremely important: Political parties are supposed to ensure that water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) packets, medical kits, and mobile ambulances are readily available at all such events. These advisories are relevant for Karnataka, which is in the midst of an election

Follow the Election Commission’s advisory on precautions: Electoral officers were advised to ensure that every polling booth had provisions for drinking water, functional clean toilets, facilities for people to sit, some areas under shade, and essential medical kits.

Implement state action plans: Almost every vulnerable state now has a heat action plan in place. This plan has to be followed in letter and sprit.

Proper implementation: The local administration needs to be vigilant and pro-active. And the implementation needs to be monitored by higher authorities on a daily basis.