Little respite from soaring mercury levels in Vellore

Hot day: People go about their business despite the heat wave on Friday.- PHOTO: VM. MANINATHAN

Temperature seems to climb higher each day in Vellore.

People have been put to immense hardship by the soaring mercury levels.

After recording the month’s hottest day so far on April 13 with a temperature of 41.6 degree Celsius, Velloreans went through another day under the scorching sun on Friday. The day recorded a temperature of 39.2 degree Celsius, according to officials of the meteorological office in Vellore.

In fact, the temperature was 40.7 degree Celsius on Thursday. With the Regional Meteorological Centre warning of heat wave in the coming days in Vellore, Collector R. Nanthagopal on Friday advised people to take precautionary measures to protect them, their children and pets from the sweltering heat level.

In a press release, he asked people to avoid going out from 12 noon to 3 p.m. as the heat’s impact was high during this period. He advised people to take adequate water, and use umbrellas and wear shoes while going out in the sun.

Among other things, he asked people to avoid alcohol, tea and carbonated drinks, not to allow children and pets to stay alone in vehicles stopped under the sun.

In case of fatigue and fever, medical help should be sought immediately. Homemade drinks such as lassi, lemon water and butter milk can be taken. Pets should be protected, he said.

If case of heat stroke, the person should be made to lie down in a cool place, and should be wiped with wet cloth at regular intervals. Water can be poured on his/her head. Medical help should be sought, he added.