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Heat wave warning in many parts of Rajasthan
On the other hand, in some parts of Rajasthan, the maximum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius in the next 48 hours and warm winds may blow. According to the Meteorological Center Jaipur, the maximum temperature on Wednesday was 45.6 degrees Celsius in Dholpur, 45.2 degrees in Pilani, 45 degrees in Churu, 44.8 degrees in Jaisalmer and Bikaner and 44.2 degrees in Phalodi. The maximum temperature was recorded above 40 degrees at many places across the state.
According to the Meteorological Center, the weather will remain dry in the state during the next 48 hours and the maximum temperature will increase by two to three degrees Celsius. The Center said that the districts of Jodhpur, Bikaner division of the state are likely to record maximum temperature above 45 degree Celsius during the next three days and heatwave conditions will continue for the next three days. Similarly, there will be heat wave conditions on May 19-20 in the districts of Bharatpur, Jaipur and Kota divisions. However, from May 21, another new Western Disturbance is likely to become active in the north-western and northern parts of the state with thunderstorms and light rain at isolated places.
Orange alert issued amid heavy rain forecast in Kerala
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an orange alert for the day in seven districts of the state amid incessant rains in many parts of Kerala. The Central Meteorological Department has forecast heavy and very heavy rains in the state for the next two days followed by heavy rains for the next two days. Normal life has come to a standstill in some parts of the state due to heavy rains in Kerala for the past few days. The state government had called a meeting of district officials and issued instructions to be prepared to deal with any emergency in view of heavy rains, despite the possibility of the onset of southwest monsoon by the end of this month.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed five teams in Kerala. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has asked people to stay away from rivers and other water bodies till the rains subside. The SDMA has asked people not to travel to hilly areas unless there is an emergency. Along with this, it has also been advised to avoid night travel till the rain subsides. The district administration has also warned people not to go near the coastal areas. The IMD had earlier predicted that due to the Southwest Monsoon, also known as Edavapati, the first rains could happen by May 27 in the state. It will be the onset of monsoon five days before the normal date of arrival of monsoon.
States should be prepared to avoid losses during monsoon: Center
The Center on Wednesday asked state governments to be better prepared to avoid losses due to natural calamities like floods, cyclones and landslides during the monsoon. In his address during the Annual Conference of Relief Commissioners and Secretaries of Disaster Management Departments of various States and UTs, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stressed the need for building capacity and response alerts to ensure round the clock preparedness throughout the year. An official statement in this regard said that the Home Secretary asked the state and central government officials to be better prepared to minimize the damage caused by natural calamities like floods, cyclones, landslides.
(with inputs from agencies)