Govt to strengthen early warning systems to protect people from heatwave: Minister

Patna: The state disaster management department will strengthen early warning systems at the village level to protect people from heatwaves and lightning strikes, department minister Ratnesh Sada said after a review meeting on Wednesday.

He emphasised that safeguarding the poor, daily wage earners, farmers and marginalised communities remains the govt’s top priority.The meeting was presided over by Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) vice-chairman Uday Kant and attended by officials of the disaster management department and the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre.C N Prabhu, director of the meteorological centre, said several districts in southern and central Bihar are likely to witness severe heat and heatwave conditions between May 21 and 26, with maximum temperatures ranging from 41°C to 46°C.Districts expected to be most affected include Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Buxar, Bhojpur, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Nawada, Siwan, Saran, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Banka and Munger. Temperatures are likely to remain above 40°C between 11 am and 4 pm, increasing the risk of dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and heatstroke.People have been advised to drink adequate water, wear light cotton clothes and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak daytime hours.

Kant stressed the need for targeted awareness campaigns in vulnerable panchayats and timely dissemination of alerts through the ‘Sachet’ app and other communication channels.Officials discussed strategies to extend the early warning system to the grassroots through coordinated efforts among BSDMA, the department and meteorological services. The plan includes forming teams at panchayat and ward levels, comprising ward members, disaster volunteers, trained swimmers, masons and master trainers.Kant also underscored effective implementation of the state plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (SPDRR), noting that modern technologies are being integrated into disaster management systems.