Importance to reach out to vulnerable people with information on heat wave situations discussed

Senior Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: As part of response to the heat wave situation currently afflicting Madhya Pradesh, the Disaster Management Institute (DMI), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Inter-Agency Group of Madhya Pradesh, organized a half-day Multi-Stakeholder Heatwave Management Workshop on May 22.

Participants from various government departments, such as the Health Department, SDRF, State Disaster Management Authority, Press Information Bureau, and the Indian Meteorological Department, attended the workshop.

Additionally, there was participation from various stakeholders such as Reliance Foundation, Akashvani, FHI, MHSSS, PHDCCI, CHAI, Narmada Samagra, SNHC, OASIS, Samarthan, UN Women, Evidence Action, CARD, Setu the bridge etc.

Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau, Prashant Pathrabe spoke about efforts of the Government of India, the do's and don'ts of heat wave and efforts of PIB Bhopal.

George V. Joseph, Joint Director of the Disaster Management Institute, provided a brief introduction on the workshop agenda and facilitated the meeting and discussions.

Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist and DRR Focal point, UNICEF, spoke on the importance of meeting to work out a plan to support the state efforts and create an awareness push on the do's and don'ts in the heat wave situations. He spoke on the importance of the need for information and support to reach out to people, especially the vulnerable. 

Divya Surendran, Scientist from the Indian Meteorological Department shared a presentation on the current heat wave scenario and forecasts for Madhya Pradesh. She shared the heat index of the State for coming days and maps, which indicated the heat wave to persist till the end of May and need to collaborate to spread information. 

Dr Prashanth Kumar, Health Specialist from UNICEF, highlighted the health impacts of heatwaves and advised on what to do during heat strokes. Dr Rajesh Sisodiya, Deputy Director, National Health Mission, Government of Madhya Pradesh, presented the current initiatives by the Health Department related to heat-related illnesses.

Saurabh Kumar, Deputy Director State Disaster Management Authority spoke about the efforts of the authority in the direction and its advisories on heat waves, hailstorm, lightning and radio appeal that can be shared further. Representatives from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were present along with NGOs from Inter Agency Group. 

The workshop concluded with an open discussion, and key action plan deliberations, and a commitment from all to spread the information as they got in the workshop. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of multiple stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of heat wave and protect public health in Madhya Pradesh.