Andhra Pradesh launches plan to prevent heatwave deaths

Vijayawada: With summer temperatures already rising in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has set a target of zero human and animal deaths due to heatwaves this year. Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha on Tuesday directed officials to take all precautionary measures and remain alert to rising temperatures and hot winds. The minister launched the “Heat Wave Action Plan – 2026” during a high-level review meeting held at the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) office in Tadepalli. District collectors, line department officials, and disaster management authorities attended the meeting to review summer season preparations. Addressing officials, Anitha stressed that human life should be the top priority and directed the department to effectively implement the action plan to prevent heatstroke deaths. District collectors were asked to promptly disseminate heatwave alerts issued by the APSDMA and the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) to ensure public awareness. To avoid extreme heat, the minister directed officials to reschedule outdoor work between 12 noon and 4 pm, when temperatures typically peak. Special attention should be paid to the safety of vulnerable groups such as laborers, the elderly, and children.
The Health Department has been instructed to prepare dedicated hospital beds, medicines, and ambulances for heatstroke cases. Officials have also been directed to set up drinking water kiosks and cooling shelters at bus stands, markets, busy junctions, and tourist destinations. NGOs and community groups will be encouraged to distribute buttermilk and drinking water. Officials have also been instructed to ensure the safety of animals by keeping village water ponds filled and supplying water from tankers when necessary. Farmers will be guided to provide adequate fodder for their animals.
The Power Department has been directed to prevent power outages during the summer, while departments like Rural Water Supply and Rural Development will review preparations at the divisional and village levels. Collectors have also been asked to ensure drinking water facilities and medical camps near temples and tourist destinations. The minister also suggested installing warning boards near ponds and water bodies to prevent accidents involving children during summer vacations. The Fire Department has been instructed to conduct safety inspections of wiring and fire protection systems in hospitals, hotels, and private buildings. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said that Central Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are likely to record higher-than-normal temperatures this summer and urged officials to be prepared.