Mercury is shooting up ominously and is set to break the previous record in this central Indian State even as it touched 46 degree Celsius mark in parts of Chhattisgarh on Friday, which has also been the hottest day of this season.
Though Bilaspur remained the hottest place with mercury hovering around 46 degree Celsius, people in State Capital Raipur and its surroundings also had a tough time in coming out of their houses as the hot wave blew from as early as 10 am.
Temperature in internal parts of the capital remained around 44 degree C, the outer Mana area was more hot with mercury crossing 45 degree Celsius mark.
According to weather experts, due to lack of any disturbances in the weather system as well as due to local dryness the temperature is likely to increase further and even cross the best of 47 plus mark recorded in 1988 in Raipur.
On the ground, though wind kept blowing at mild speed somehow keeping the rise of mercury in control, but the touch of the weather gave the feeling of skin burning throughout the day.
People thronged stalls of fruit juice, sugarcane juice, jal jeera and other desi soft drinks to beat the heat. Streets as well as main roads bore deserted look specially during afternoon time as the burning sun forced people seek solace under tree shades.
Meanwhile, with its first touch of sun stroke related death, allegedly of an old woman at Jora in Raipur outer Thursday, the Chhattisgarh health department has asked people to take measures to avoid sun stroke or ‘luh’ as the temperature has reached crucial stage crossing the 45 degree Celsius mark which is enough to harm human life.
The health directorate’s appeal released on Friday warned the people that steady rise in temperature above 44 degree Celsius can cause heat stroke which is dangerous for life.
Therefore, people should avoid going out in glowing sun during noon hours. And if it is necessary, one should not venture out without covering their body parts with cotton cloth. Even face and hands should be covered besides wearing loose cotton clothes.
People have also been advised to drink ample quantity of fluid – fruit juice, cold water as well as soft drinks before going out in sun. The health officials have also asked people to avoid taking drug or alcohol and also cut down the intake of tea and coffee considering the fact that your life is of paramount importance.
According to the experts, extremely high body temperature, lack of sweating, pain in hands and feet, red blistering skin and unconsciousness are some of the signs of sunstrokes after which the patients should immediately be rushed to the nearest hospital.