Yogi Adityanath directs UP districts to stay on alert amid heatwave warning

Anticipating severe heatwave conditions in several districts next week, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed the administration, hospitals and relief agencies to remain on high alert.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several districts in the state may witness severe heatwave conditions on May 19, 20 and 21, with temperatures likely to rise by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Following the forecast, the state government directed all districts to complete relief and preparedness measures in advance.

The chief minister instructed district magistrates, the Health department, the Power department and relief agencies to remain in alert mode, according to an official statement issued here.

Officials were directed to maintain special surveillance in sensitive districts and ensure adequate arrangements in government hospitals for the treatment of heatstroke patients.

Hospitals were asked to ensure the availability of medicines, beds and doctors, while ambulance services were also directed to remain fully operational.

Officials were further instructed to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply at public places and maintain uninterrupted power supply, the statement said.

Adityanath appealed to people to avoid stepping out unnecessarily during extreme heat and heatwave conditions.

The chief minister also advised children, elderly people and those suffering from illnesses to take extra precautions.