Patna swelters as real feel temperature soars to 50°C

Patna: As an intense heat continued to sweep Bihar, 10 districts, including Patna, recorded maximum temperatures above 40°C on Thursday, triggering concerns over rising cases of heatstroke and sunstroke across the state. The real feel — a measure of how the heat feels on the skin — soared to a blistering 50°C by mid-afternoon in Patna.With temperatures climbing steadily and humidity making conditions more oppressive, Patna DM Thiyagarajan S M ordered suspension of academic activities up to Class V in all schools, including preschools and anganwadi centres, from Friday till May 26. Classes VI to VIII have been directed to operate only till 10.30am.The DM also asked officials to implement standard operating procedures on a war footing to minimise the impact of the severe heatwave, stressing that children, pregnant women and elderly people remained the most vulnerable.Doctors said hospitals had already begun witnessing a rise in heat-related illnesses over the past fortnight. General physician Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said nearly 10 patients on average were reporting symptoms of heatstroke and sunstroke every week.“Looking at the weather patterns, the toll is projected to rise,” Dr Prasad said.He said patients were commonly arriving with complaints of severe headache, dizziness and dehydration, warning that delayed treatment could turn fatal.“The patients are immediately given fluid replacement therapy. If they are staying under the care of a hospital, then their expected recovery is within 48 hours, and they are recommended to take rest for at least three days, but if they are being treated at home, then it will take them a minimum of three days for recovery,” he said.Issuing a public advisory, he urged people to avoid venturing outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary.“People should avoid walking long stretches in the sun and must make sure that they have eaten adequate food and are hydrated. As the heat spoils food frequently, people must avoid eating stale food,” he added.The health department has instructed the Patna civil surgeon to ensure adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids and life-saving medicines at all public healthcare facilities and medical colleges.The education department has also directed schools and examination centres to maintain sufficient drinking water and rehydration packs, while morning assemblies are being used to spread awareness about heatstroke prevention.Urban local bodies have been asked to install public water booths, repair hand pumps in slum areas and display heatwave safety warnings at crowded locations. The labour department has directed employers to regulate work timings for labourers, provide shaded rest areas and ensure availability of drinking water and first-aid kits at worksites.Meanwhile, the disaster management branch has intensified early warning broadcasts through television, radio, newspapers and SMS alerts, while fire services remain on high alert amid growing risks of accidental fires during the prolonged dry spell.