For the past couple of days, life for residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region has been like living in a frying pan as the temperature continues to soar. On Monday, temperatures in several parts of Delhi again breached the 47 degrees Celsius mark. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red alert' for the next four days due to heatwave to severe heat wave conditions in the national capital.
The Delhi government on Monday directed private and government-aided schools that have not closed for summer vacations despite the heatwave to do so with immediate effect. In a circular, the Directorate of Education said all the schools were directed to observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30 for this academic year.
Also read: Education Department Issues Guidelines For Schools
"...all the govt. schools are closed w.e.f. 11.05.24. However, it has been observed that some of the govt. aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during ongoing severe heat waves. Therefore, all the heads of govt. aided and unaided recognised private schools of Delhi are advised to close the schools for summer vacation with immediate effect," read the circular.
As the extreme weather conditions set in, the IMD has advised people, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and infants, to avoid heat exposure. It is also advised to drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty, to avoid dehydration.
Also read: As Heat Wave Grips Delhi, Here Are Some Tips To Keep Yourself Safe
Health experts have also asked residents of Delhi to be cautious. Dr. Neeraj Nishchal, professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, advised the public to exercise caution during peak heat hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Nishchal emphasized the heightened risk of heat-related problems during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in the afternoon. "It is essential that we should preferably not step out when the temperature is very high, especially in the afternoon, that is when the maximum chances of heat-related illness happen," he stated.
Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk, he said. "Extreme phases, elderly, kids, or people with comorbidities, even those who are healthy should also take care. The younger population, they exert themselves, so they must prevent themselves," Dr. Nishchal said.
"If you are playing in hot and humid conditions, then heat-related problems can even happen to the younger population. It is essential to take precautions and not exert themselves. Any normal individual should drink at least 3-4 litres of water, whatever you consume should be kept in mind with the comorbidities. Any physical activity should not be performed during the peak heat hours, wear loose clothes, light-colored clothes," he advised.
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