VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh remained under the grip of a continuous heat wave as temperatures soared across the State, with mercury levels hovering between 40°C and 45°C in most districts and touching an extreme high of 48°C in a few pockets during Wednesday and Thursday.
The scorching conditions, intensified by El Niño, have left large parts of the State reeling, prompting the government to step up emergency measures to safeguard public health and safety.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu convened an emergency review meeting on Friday, directing officials to remain on high alert and take immediate steps to protect people from the impact of the extreme heat.
He instructed district collectors to identify areas recording the highest temperatures and issue continuous warnings and advisories to residents.
In regions facing severe heat stress, the Chief Minister said local authorities should consider declaring holidays depending on prevailing conditions.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister that the intensity of the heat wave has risen sharply due to El Niño, with temperatures climbing from 45°C to 48°C over the past three days. They recalled that during the strong El Niño year of 2015, Andhra Pradesh recorded a peak of 50.1°C, and this year’s conditions are proving similarly severe.
Responding to the situation, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to provide relief to the public by ensuring the availability of drinking water, buttermilk, and ORS packets in crowded places and public gathering areas.
He directed district collectors to conduct awareness campaigns on heat wave safety measures and ensure continuous dissemination of information through media and social platforms.
Stressing that protecting lives is the government’s top priority, he urged people to take precautions while stepping outdoors during peak heat hours.
Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses were advised to avoid going outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 1,349 heat shelters and cooling centres have already been established in urban areas, while shade arrangements have been made at 446 traffic junctions to provide relief to motorists and police personnel to shield them from oppressive heatwave across the State.
The Chief Minister also suggested providing water troughs and earthen pots for animals and birds suffering due to the heat.
Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad and senior officials from municipal administration, panchayat raj, disaster management, and health departments attended the review meeting.