VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh continues to experience severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in several regions. Since mid-March, multiple mandals have been facing daily heatwaves, with the highest temperatures recorded at 42.7°C on March 18 and 42.3°C on March 19.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned that heatwave conditions will affect 49 mandals on Friday, particularly in Srikakulam (12), Vizianagaram (16), Parvathipuram Manyam (13), Alluri Sitarama Raju (1), Kakinada (2), and East Godavari (5). On Saturday, severe heatwaves are likely in Chintoor (ASR) and Seethampeta (Manyam), with 29 other mandals also at risk.
Several locations recorded high temperatures on Thursday, including Dornipadu (40.3°C), Ontimitta (40.2°C), Laddagiri (40.1°C), Gadelu (40°C), and Vizianagaram (40°C). APSDMA Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath confirmed heatwave conditions in 30 mandals.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has urged residents to remain vigilant over the next three months. In a video conference with officials on Thursday, he emphasised the need for preparedness across departments, including disaster management, health, education, labour, panchayati raj, and electricity.
He directed them to create awareness on heatwave precautions and ensure the availability of essential services, such as drinking water, buttermilk, tents, and first aid, particularly for outdoor workers. Special provisions are also being made at examination centres.
A nodal officer will be appointed at the district level to oversee response measures and implement action plans. Authorities will issue early warnings via SMS and media channels in high-risk areas.
The Medical, Education, Rural Development, and Safe Drinking Water Supply departments have been instructed to take precautionary steps to safeguard public health.
The TRANSCO department has been tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted power supply during peak summer months. Residents have been advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 5 pm. Vijayanand explained that a heatwave occurs when temperatures rise 4 to 5.4°C above normal, while a severe heatwave is declared if temperatures exceed 6.4°C above normal. He warned that excessive heat exposure could disrupt body temperature regulation.
He recommended staying hydrated, consuming light meals, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Kurmanath reiterated that the highest temperatures recorded this season were 42.7°C on March 18 and 42.3°C on March 19. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to release daily temperature updates at 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, forecasting more heatwaves in coming months.