The maximum temperature hit about 44.2 degrees Celsius with humidity around noon. It put life out of gear across Bokaro district.
The cruel summer blaze made the day miserable not only for human-beings but also for animals. According to the reports, several animals, including zoo inmates across the district, have taken ill because of the heat waves. They are suffering from dehydration and frequently vomiting. Meanwhile, the zoo authorities claim the animals are being given oral dehydration solutions and plenty of cold water.
Meanwhile, birds outside the zoos are currently suffering from lack of food because of the dry soil caused by the cruel summer. Due to the heat, worms and insects are moving deeper into the ground. To get them back to normalcy, a longer rain phase is needed because of the many dried plants. The birds are also struggling to find seeds and grains on the ground, said Ranjay, a bird lover (watcher). He is a resident of Bagda village of Paterwar.
“As several water sources have dried up, birds and other small animals are struggling hard to quench their thirsts”, he added.
According to the met department’s officials, the heat is increasing rapidly in Jharkhand. Palamu is passing through tremendous heat and it is a kind of misery to get out in the afternoon. The temperature has crossed 45 degrees Celsius in a few parts during noon. Summer is also increasing in districts of Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Dumka, the statement reveals.
Met department predicted that the possibility of major changes in the weather is low”. According to weather scientists, it is due to the flow of hot winds from the west.
Due to the intense heat and sizzling conditions, people prefer to stay indoors. The blistering wind have been blowing for the last many days and it makes everything worse across the city, said Shankar Prasad a resident of LH Colony Bokaro.
“It not only causes discomfort to the residents but also leads to distress fully or partially among the animals and birds residing in and around the district,” said N Prasad, a resident of Paterwar.
Dr Randhir Singh of district health department advised that the easiest way to beat the heat is to avoid the sun, especially from around 11 am to 3 pm, which is the hottest part of the day. Try to stay indoors if possible, and keep the windows shut if the loo is blowing. Prolonged exposure to the loo can cause heat strokes.
“If you live in a region that is prone to heat waves, you must take precautions like using heavy curtains to keep the heat out, use reflectors or shades outside the windows, and keep the colour of the curtains light. These basic precautions will help to keep your house cooler and avoid overheating,” he said.
“Be aware of symptoms of heat strokes and heat exhaustion like excessive thirst, dizziness, headache, vomit, weakness, chest pain and cramps,” added Dr Randhir.
Dehydration is one of the most common effects of a heat wave, he said.
“You must take cool showers, or splash water on your face and arms to keep the body cool. You must also drink plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, lemonade and others to keep the body hydrated and cool. Hydration helps in weight loss, keeping the heart healthy and in ensuring that all body functions are performed well,” added Dr Randhir.
Even when you step out, make sure you take all measures to keep the impact of heat on your body at the minimum, he said.
Soaring temperature and over-exploitation of groundwater, the water table in twin districts has gone remarkably down. Many hand pumps are lying defunct including waterfalls, in many parts of the district.
Villagers residing in and around Chandankiyari, Jainamore and Paterwar are alleging that this year, they are facing a huge water crisis. Both the districts are facing acute drinking water crisis as around several thousands of hand pumps are lying defunct, check dams, wells and other water sources were dried-up.
Water levels are also depleted in the Garga Rive and Damodar River.