Hans News Service Amaravati

ChiefMinister N Chandrababu Naidu conducted an emergency review on heatwave conditions across Andhra Pradesh and directed officials to intensify public safety measures as temperatures continue to surge across the state raising fears of a repeat of the 2015 El Nino pattern. Amid severe heatwave conditions and rising health risks, the Chief Minister instructed officials to remain constantly on alert and identify regions recording very high temperatures for continuous public warnings and emergency interventions.

Naidu directed district authorities to consider declaring holidays in areas facing extreme weather conditions depending on local heat intensity and ground-level conditions.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the current heatwave severity had intensified due to a strong El Nino effect, with temperatures touching nearly 48 degree centigrade in several regions over the past three days.

The Chief Minister ordered immediate expansion of public relief measures, including the supply of cold drinking water, buttermilk, and ORS packets in crowded public spaces, markets and transport hubs. He instructed collectors to hold press briefings to raise awareness on heatstroke prevention and directed departments to continuously circulate advisories through television, print media, and social media platforms.

Stressing that “public safety is the government’s top priority,” Naidu appealed to people to avoid outdoor movement between 11 am and 4 pm, particularly elderly persons, pregnant women, children and those with existing health conditions.

The Chief Minister directed district and mandal-level officials to remain fully prepared for emergency response operations during the ongoing heatwave period.

Officials informed the CM that 1,349 heat shelters and drinking water kiosks had already been established across urban areas, while shade arrangements had been provided at 446 major traffic junctions for motorists and traffic personnel. Naidu ordered officials to also place water troughs and earthen pots in public spaces to protect birds and animals affected by the extreme heat.

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