Severe Heatwave Grips AP; Civic Bodies on High Alert

Vijayawada/Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh is set to witness intensified heatwave conditions over the next few days, with temperatures likely to touch 47°C in several coastal districts on Wednesday, prompting the state government to place all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on high alert.

According to Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) managing director Prakhar Jain, the highest temperature recorded on Tuesday was 45.6°C at Piduguralla in Palnadu district, followed by 44.9°C at Gudur in Nellore district and 44.5°C at Kankipadu in Krishna district.

The APSDMA said temperatures above 41°C were recorded in 233 mandals across 23 districts. Palnadu district reported the highest number of severely affected mandals at 26, followed by Nellore with 25, Prakasam with 23, Markapuram with 20, Krishna with 18 and Tirupati with 17 mandals.

Severe heatwave conditions are expected in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur and Prakasam districts, where temperatures may range between 45°C and 47°C.

Meanwhile, temperatures between 43°C and 44°C are likely in parts of Nellore, Kurnool, Nandyal, Chittoor and Tirupati districts, while Rayalaseema districts including Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, YSR Kadapa and Annamayya may experience temperatures between 41°C and 43°C.

The APSDMA also warned that severe hot winds are likely in 71 mandals across Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli and Kakinada districts, while another 277 mandals may witness moderate heatwave conditions.

In view of the rising temperatures, the municipal administration and urban development department has directed municipal commissioners, particularly in central and north coastal Andhra districts, to strengthen field-level response systems between May 20 and 26.

Principal secretary Suresh Kumar instructed civic bodies to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, protect vulnerable sections and maintain essential civic services during the heatwave period. He also directed municipal commissioners to monitor preparedness on a daily basis.

ULBs have been asked to intensify public awareness campaigns through announcement systems, ward secretariats, social media, municipal vehicles, local cable television networks and electronic display boards.

Authorities have also been directed to establish drinking water facilities at bus stands, markets, hospitals, schools, labour congregation points, Anna Canteens and other public places.

Temporary water kiosks, chalivendrams, tanker supply arrangements and cooling shelters are to be set up on a priority basis, especially in vulnerable and water-scarce areas.

Special focus is being placed on sanitation workers, street vendors, outdoor labourers, homeless persons and elderly citizens, who are considered highly vulnerable to heat stress. Ward-level monitoring teams, in coordination with the health department, have been tasked with ensuring timely support and emergency assistance.

Officials advised people to remain indoors between 11 am and 4 pm unless absolutely necessary. Elderly persons, pregnant women, lactating mothers and people suffering from heart ailments, diabetes or blood pressure-related issues have been urged to take extra precautions.

Residents were advised to consume sufficient water, buttermilk, lemon water and coconut water to prevent dehydration.

The APSDMA further said a trough extending from Karnataka and Rayalaseema towards south coastal Andhra Pradesh may trigger scattered light rain accompanied by thunderstorms in parts of Rayalaseema over the next 24 hours.