Schools in Andhra Pradesh to function half days from June 12 to 17 due to severe heat wave

AMARAVATHI: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided that due to severe heatwave conditions, the schools shall run for half days up to June 17. The schools will run as per schedule of the academic calendar from June 19.

As per the IMD predictions communicated by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the temperatures would record beyond 40°for the next four to five days. As such, movement in high temperatures will lead to serious health issues to children and vulnerable people.

The Government of India communicated to the States certain advisories to protect people from Heat Related Illnesses (HRI) and mentioned the salient points that heat waves had a devastating impact on human health thereby increasing the number of heat wave casualties. The health impacts of heatwaves typically involved dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.

The signs and symptoms are as follows:

Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (Fainting), generally accompanied by fever below 39°C i.e.102°F. Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.

Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40°C i.e. 104°F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma.

This is a potential fatal condition.

Measures to be taken in case of any of these conditions:

Move the person to a cool place under the shade.

Give water or a re-hydrating drink (if the person is still conscious). Fan the person.

Consult a doctor, if symptoms get worse or are long lasting or the person is unconscious.

Cool the person by putting a cool wet cloth on his/her face/body Loosen clothes for better ventilation.

Head masters were asked to conduct classes from 07.30 AM to 11.30 AM from 12.06.2023 to 17.06.2023. Ragi malt must be served between 8.30 AM and 9 AM. The midday meal must be served between 11.30 AM and 12 noon.

The head masters were asked to disseminate the health impacts of heat waves to all the teachers, parents and students. The State Government take all measures as recommended by the Government of India in the interest of health of the students.

From June 19, 2023 on wards, the schools shall function as per the prescribed timetable mentioned in the academic calendar.