This Sunday, the state government launched an operation to maintain hydration points in high-traffic areas, with free distribution of drinking water and support to bathers, the homeless and patients treated in state emergency care units (Upas). The actions, carried out through the State Department of Health and e,e, are part of the set of measures aimed at reducing risks and minimizing the impacts of the high temperatures recorded in recent days. Last week, Rio Governor Cláudio Castro said the state was experiencing extreme heat.
— We are facing very atypical temperatures, due to climate change. In the face of extreme heat, taking care of people’s lives and health is a top priority — said Governor Cláudio Castro.
This Sunday, 10 thousand liters of drinking water were distributed, through Cedae, to the following points:
•Rudder (between positions 1 and 2);
•Copacabana (between stations 2 and 6);
•Ipanema (between stations 8 and 9);
The operation relies on what is known as the “hydration fleet”, which includes a kombi and 14 bicycles positioned at aid stations. The points also offer water fountains for pets. The water comes from the Guandu ETA (Water Treatment Plant), with continuous monitoring by a mobile laboratory, to guarantee the quality of the supply.
Starting this Monday, Cedae will also maintain hydration points at Central do Brasil, in the center of Rio, to serve the homeless, a public most sensitive to the impacts of intense heat. The action will also be extended to passengers of public transport, in the stations of Bangu, Campo Grande, Madureira and Central do Brasil.
The State Department of Health (SES-RJ) has also installed hydration points in the 27 PSUs installed in outdoor areas to serve the population in vulnerable situations during the hottest days. In the units, a risk classification protocol is adopted, with guidelines for the appropriate clinical management of patients with symptoms related to high heat.
In turn, the State Secretariat for Civil Defense, through the firefighters and the CEMADEN-RJ (State Center for Monitoring and Warning of Natural Disasters), continues to issue alerts to municipalities in cases of low relative air humidity and high temperatures. The main recommendations for the population are: avoid outdoor physical activities in the afternoon; maintain frequent hydration and pay special attention to children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
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