City continues to reel under heat

Vijayawada: Denizens of Vijayawada continue to bear the brunt of searing heat. On Sunday, the mercury level climbed to 44 degree Celsius in the city and its suburbs. The temperature continues to stay close to the 44 degree Celsius mark for the next two weeks, according to the Indian Meteorological Department website.

With the sun turning harsh day after day, the heat levels are becoming unbearable for residents in the city. People are scared of coming out of homes due to rising day temperature, resulting in roads wearing a deserted look in the city on Sunday. A majority of the residents prefer to stay indoors unless they have urgent works outside.

If they have to attend works outdoors, they want to finish them as early as possible before the noon. Two-wheeler users are seen traveling taking all precautions with full protection to the body. Outlets of tender coconuts, soft drinks, ice-creams, sharbats and fruit juices are mushrooming on roads, let alone free drinking water centers.

Speaking to ‘The Hans India’, Chief Medical and Health Officer of VMC Dr Gopi Naik said that the scorching sun could be really harsh. Parents should follow proper care, particularly for children, during summer. The common diseases that occur during summer are typhoid, hepatitis A and chickenpox. Throat infection and prickly heat could also cause trouble.

“Drinking contaminated water can cause typhoid and hepatitis A. It is important to avoid drinking water outside. Give purified water to children. Dehydration is a problem during summer. Children should take plenty of fluids, like home-made buttermilk and fruit juice,” he said.

The CMHO also advised people to reduce intake of carbohydrates and oily food during summer and increase vegetables and greens in one’s diet. “Diabetics should avoid tender coconut, soft drinks and fruit juices. They should drink plenty of water,” he added.