Extreme Heatwave Leaves Communities Reeling: Normal Life Disrupted Across the Country

On Wednesday, the intense heat in Tripura continued to disrupt normal life, prompting the administration to issue a public warning urging people to take precautions to avoid the harmful effects of the heat wave.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati, Agartala, the capital city of Tripura recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, which was 5.1 degrees higher than the usual temperature.

The weather department has forecasted that the maximum temperature is unlikely to change significantly in the next three days across most parts of the eastern states of India.
It added that the temperature is expected to drop by 2-3 degrees after three days.

The capital cities and major towns across the Northeast also experienced temperatures higher than the usual levels.

With people struggling in the scorching heat, the state revenue department has instructed all district magistrates to initiate awareness campaigns immediately to encourage precautionary measures and mitigate the negative impact of the heat wave.

A notice released by the revenue department stated, “Heat waves, sunstroke, and sunburn have been recognized as state-specific disasters in Tripura. Medical professionals have advised people to refrain from exposing themselves to the intense heat and bright sun, as it may result in sunstroke, especially in the worst-case scenario”.

Due to the increase in temperatures, the state government issued a directive on Monday to close all schools in Tripura until April 23.

The revenue department has asked district administrations to offer essential services such as drinking water and medical assistance, and to activate emergency operation centers, quick response teams, and resources.

They have also been instructed to ensure that uninterrupted power supply is provided to all areas, and to seek support from other key agencies to ensure the safety and security of citizens.