La Niña effect: Govt issues advisory to combat cold wave conditions in J&K

Srinagar: As La Niña effect looms over Jammu and Kashmir region with foggy mornings and severe chills; the department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR) has issued a comprehensive advisory to combat ongoing cold wave conditions.
The Advisory has highlighted the need to pay special attention to vulnerable groups like the elderly and children during the cold wave phases.
According to the guidelines issued by the J&K’s DMRRR department the guidelines focus on safety measures for individuals, animals, and crops to mitigate the risks associated with severe cold weather.
During the cold wave phase, the advisory has asked residents in the region to limit outdoor exposure and dress in multiple layers of clothing. It has also insisted on using protective gear like hats, mufflers, and insulated shoes.
“Stay indoors as much as possible and minimize travel to prevent exposure to cold. Maintain warmth through healthy food, hot drinks, and proper hydration. Keep yourself dry. If wet then cover your head, neck, hands and toes adequately as the majority of heat loss occurs through these body parts. Change wet clothes immediately,” reads the advisory.
The advisory has also flagged to take care of elderly people, newborns and children and check neighbours who live alone, especially the elderly about their wellbeing.
“Cover your head as most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Drink hot fluids regularly, as this will maintain body heat to fight cold,” reads the advisory.
Before the cold wave, the advisory recommended staying updated on weather forecasts through radio, TV, and newspapers. It has also asked to stock essential items, including winter clothing, food, water, and emergency supplies.
“Ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to block cold winds,” states the DMRRR advisory.
In case of exposure to cold wave conditions, and to address frostbite and hypothermia, the advisory has stated to promptly warm affected areas and seek medical attention and not to ignore shivering, stating that It is the first sign that the body is losing heat.
The advisory has asked to avoid alcohol, stating that it reduces body temperature.
With regard to the agricultural and animal husbandry guidelines, the advisory states that farmers should irrigate plants lightly to protect crops and use mulch to preserve warmth.
The advisory reads that cultivating frost-resistant varieties and sheltering fields with windbreaks are recommended.
“Mulching nursery beds of soil near the main trunk with black or silver plastic sheets increase radiation absorption and provide a warmer thermal regime during winter. In case plastic mulch is not available, making thatches (jhuggis) of straw or Sarkanda grass or organic mulching will also protect crops from cold,” reads the advisory.
For animals, the advisory states that livestock and poultry should be sheltered indoors, provided with bedding materials, and fed high-quality forage to meet increased energy demands during cold weather.
It also states that during Cold waves animals and livestock require more food for sustenance as the energy requirement goes up. It adds that extreme variations in temperature may affect the fertility rate animals, during the optimum breeding season for buffaloes /cattle.
“Cover the animal habitat from all sides during night in order to avoid direct exposure of animals to cold winds. Apply some bedding materials such as dry straw under animals during winters. Avoid giving cold feed and cold water to the animals,” states the advisor