Relentless rain batters eastern Arunachal as state capital region reels under heat wave

Itanagar, Jul 6 (PTI) While monsoon rain continues to lash several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the state capital is witnessing a contrasting spell of scorching heat, prompting the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) administration to issue a heat wave advisory. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast intensified rain in parts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh for Tuesday and issued an 'orange' alert asking all to be prepared, as it warned of heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning for Namsai and Lohit districts. The ICR administration, on the other hand, has issued a heat wave advisory, asking residents to remain cautious following the IMD's forecast of above-normal temperatures. According to the district-wise forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre here on Monday, widespread rainfall is likely to occur across the state on July 7, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in Namsai and Lohit. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall are also likely in several adjoining districts placed under yellow alert. The weather is expected to remain unsettled on Wednesday, with the orange alert continuing for Namsai. Tirap district has also been placed under an orange alert, while yellow alerts remain in force for most central and eastern districts, indicating the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall at isolated places. On Thursday, rainfall activity is likely to ease slightly. But the IMD has retained yellow alerts for a large part of the state, indicating the likelihood of thunderstorms, lightning and moderate to heavy rain at isolated locations. The forecast for Friday suggests a further reduction in adverse weather conditions. Most districts in western, central and northern Arunachal are expected to remain free from any warning, although yellow alerts continue for parts of the eastern and southern districts where isolated spells of rain and thunderstorms may persist. Meanwhile, the ICR administration has advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly between noon and 3 pm, drink plenty of water, wear light-coloured cotton clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. People travelling outdoors have been asked to carry sufficient drinking water, avoid alcohol and caffeinated or carbonated beverages, and consume oral rehydration solution (ORS) or homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk and rice water to prevent dehydration. Residents have also been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness or fainting. The advisory further cautioned against leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles and recommended keeping homes well-ventilated to reduce indoor heat. Various departments have been directed to implement preventive measures with immediate effect. The health department has been asked to maintain adequate stocks of ORS, essential medicines, intravenous fluids and ice packs at hospitals and Anganwadi centres while strengthening surveillance of heat-related illnesses. The education department has been instructed to adjust school timings to avoid peak afternoon heat, ensure the availability of safe drinking water on campuses and suspend outdoor physical activities during heat wave conditions. The power department has been directed to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to essential institutions, particularly hospitals and schools. PTI UPL NN