Tamil Nadu Declares Heatwave a State Disaster

The Tamil Nadu government declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster. This decision aims to provide relief for those affected by extreme heat. It includes financial aid for families of heat-related fatalities and interim measures to manage heat impacts. Funding will come from the State Disaster Response Fund.

Global Heat Crisis

The World Meteorological Organization has announced that 2023 was the hottest year on record. This alarming trend is linked to climate change caused by human activities. The frequency of heatwaves has notably increased, as brought into light in the Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2023.

Heatwaves in India

India has been affected by rising temperatures. A study published in Environment International detailed the increased frequency of heatwaves in India over recent decades. Notable heatwaves occurred in May 1998, summer of 1999, and several years thereafter. For instance, the heatwave in 2003 caused over 3,000 deaths in Andhra Pradesh, while Ahmedabad recorded around 1,300 deaths in May 2010.

2024 Heatwave Impact

In the summer of 2024 faced a severe heatwave, particularly in May. Churu, Rajasthan, registered a staggering 50.5°C, marking the highest temperature in eight years. This heatwave resulted in 219 deaths, including election officials, and over 25,000 cases of heatstroke.

Defining a Heatwave

A heatwave is generally defined as a prolonged period of unusually hot weather, often with high humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sets specific criteria: a heatwave is declared when temperatures reach at least 40°C in plains and 30°C in hilly areas.

Heatwave management is becoming increasingly critical in India. April and May 2024 saw many parts of Tamil Nadu exceed 40°C. The need for focused attention on heat management is essential for public health and safety.

Direct and Indirect Health Effects

Direct effects of extreme heat include various illnesses caused by heat exposure. Indirect effects stress existing health conditions, leading to complications like renal insufficiency and cardiovascular diseases. This underscores the importance of addressing heat waves as a public health issue.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2024

Category: States Current Affairs