PM chairs meet to review heatwave preparedness

AMID A forecast for extreme hot conditions this summer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a review meeting on Thursday, called for all arms of governments at central, state and district levels to work in synergy.

A statement from the PMO said: “Prime Minister was briefed about the temperature outlook for the period from April to June, 2024 including the forecasts for the upcoming hot weather season (April to June), the likelihood of above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country, especially with high probability over Central India and western peninsular India.”

Preparedness in the health sector was reviewed in terms of availability of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS and drinking water, the statement said.

The timely dissemination of essential information, education and communication (IEC) awareness material, especially in regional languages, through all platforms such as television, radio and social media was stressed upon at the meeting, it said.

“Since a hotter than normal summer is expected in 2024, which coincides with the general elections, it was felt that the advisories issued by the Health ministry and NDMA be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely,” it said.

Modi stressed upon the whole of government approach, and said all arms of the government at central, state and district levels, besides various ministries, need to work on this in synergy.

He also stressed upon awareness creation along with adequate preparation in hospitals, highlighting the need for quick detection and putting out forest fires.

The principal secretary to the prime minister, home secretary, officials from India Meteorological Department, and the National Disaster Management Authority attended the meeting.