Cold wave victims
As reports of deaths caused by the cold wave continue to pour in, it is now pretty clear that the most vulnerable group of people is finding it extremely difficult to face the winter. Hundreds of people are also reported to have been hospitalised with cold-related ailments -- a sure sign of the victims fighting a losing battle against the scourge.
The situation is going out of control, and there is no doubt that some sort of quick action is needed to save the homeless, badly exposed to the full fury of the cold wave. Obviously, the first thing that they need is a shelter where the temperature will be higher than what they are experiencing in the footpaths or other open spaces. Our options here are rather limited: big buildings that normally house schools, colleges, or community centres can be used as temporary shelters. The schools or colleges will have to be shut down for a week or so. But we must not forget that it is a question of saving the lives of a large number of humans stranded virtually in the open, and facing the wrath of the winter. They may not be able to hold out for long, as their defence mechanism is highly flawed -- they are neither well nourished nor well equipped to remain afloat. The government may also consider in all seriousness the idea of raising temporary tents in open spaces. The army and the law enforcing agencies having the wherewithal to help the homeless can be called out to face the emergency.
The next thing that the victims of the cold wave need is adequate protection, which only warm clothes can provide. Here, again civic bodies and organisations must swing into action with the objective of collecting warm clothes from donors and people in general. However, some extra-ordinary measures might be needed to reach the victims in the remote areas.
The meteorological department has said the cold wave may persist for some more days. The information is significant because the poor people have low resistance, and the death figures may rise quickly if they are not given the shelter that they desperately need at the moment. The time factor is very important -- any delay in carrying out the rescue operation could only mean more suffering to the distressed.
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