Challenges of heat wave: Coordinated preparedness and mitigation strategies discussed

Senior Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: A workshop on ‘Heat Wave Disaster Management’ was organized today by Disaster Management Institute, Home Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh in partnership with various development partners like UNICEF, UN women, Civil Society Organizations, Rotary Club, IMD and others.

The workshop saw participation from representatives of various government departments, disaster management professionals, academicians, technical experts, and members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in disaster risk reduction activities across Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country.

The workshop focused on the growing challenges posed by heat waves and emphasized the need for coordinated preparedness and mitigation strategies. Deliberations were held on the causes and increasing frequency of heat waves, their adverse impacts on public health, livelihoods, infrastructure, economy, and vulnerable communities, as well as the role of climate-resilient planning in reducing associated risks.

During the technical sessions, experts from various organizations shared valuable insights, experiences and technical expertise.

Sourabh Singh, Deputy Director, MP-SDMA spoke on the heat advisory by the State,  Divya E. Surendran from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) made a presentation on the heat wave scenario in the state.

Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist and DRR focal point UNICEF shared do's and don'ts to be observed during a heat wave and spoke on effect of heat wave on children and women.

Architect Aditi Kashiv also made a presentation. Dr George Joesph, Joint Director Disaster Management Institute facilitated the workshop. 

An interactive session was also held, where participants exchanged ideas, challenges, and best practices related to heat wave preparedness, awareness generation, and inter-departmental coordination.