The district administrations of Nandyal and Kurnool on Thursday (May 21, 2026) have warned of severe heatwave conditions the next week and advised people to take precautions. .
Nandyal Collector Rajakumari Ganiya said that intense heat was likely to continue until May 26, and urged the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, to take special precautions.
She advised people to avoid going out during the afternoon hours, except in case of an emergency, and to finish outdoor work before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
She directed officials to take special precautions for workers engaged under panchayats, municipalities, the Employment Guarantee Scheme and other public works. She said: “Such work should be scheduled during the early morning or evening hours, and arrangements should be made to provide drinking water, shade and rest facilities for the workers.”
A man carrying a newly bought air cooler on his two-wheeler in Kurnool on Thursday, amid the severe heat. | Photo Credit: U. Subramanyam
Officials were directed to provide adequate drinking water at bus stands, markets, junctions, hospitals, schools, government offices and labour assembly points. “Temporary water kiosks must be set up wherever necessary,” she added.
Ms. Rajakumari asked officials to identify vulnerable groups such as the homeless and the elderly, and to provide them with ORS packets, first-aid supplies and drinking water through ward-level teams.
Urban local bodies were directed to place water bowls and earthen pots in parks, markets and public spaces for stray animals and birds, and to ensure they are regularly refilled.
Kurnool Collector A. Siri directed Municipal Commissioners and officials to take immediate preparedness and relief measures, and said that special attention must be paid to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths. She directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water at bus stands, markets, traffic junctions, labour assembly points, hospitals, schools, government offices, shelter centres and other crowded areas.
She called for cooling shelters, shaded resting areas, free water distribution centres and temporary water kiosks. The Collector also ordered municipal commissioners and officials to personally supervise the measures daily.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned that severe heatwave conditions were likely to continue across several parts of the State over the next four days, and advised people to avoid travel during the peak afternoon hours.
The season’s highest temperature so far, 47.6° Celsius, was recorded at Piduguralla in Palnadu district, and mercury crossed 45° Celsius in 11 districts, the APSDMA said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published - May 21, 2026 03:46 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
