Survey Reveals Impact of Extreme Heat on Urban Poor in Hyderabad
Extreme heat taking toll on urban poor: Survey
Image: The Times Of India
A recent survey by the Helping Hand Foundation in Hyderabad highlights the severe impact of extreme summer heat on residents of urban slums. Over 1,000 respondents reported sleep deprivation, anxiety, and significant drops in productivity due to temperatures exceeding 43°C. The findings call for urgent government action to improve living conditions and workplace safety.
- 01Over 80% of respondents reported disturbed sleep during hot nights, with only 9% able to sleep normally.
- 02Nearly 70% of participants indicated that heat affected their mood and behavior.
- 03More than 90% of respondents experienced a drop in productivity during hot weather, averaging a productivity score of 5.5 out of 10.
- 04The survey identified poor housing conditions, such as semi-pucca homes with tin roofs, as exacerbating heat stress.
- 05Mujtaba Hasan Askari from HHF emphasized the need for government intervention in housing and workplace safety for informal workers.
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A survey conducted by the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) in Hyderabad reveals that extreme summer heat is severely impacting residents of urban slums and informal settlements. Covering over 1,000 respondents, primarily migrant laborers from areas like Kalapathar and Shaheen Nagar, the survey found that temperatures in Telangana are regularly exceeding 43°C to 45°C, with some districts reaching 46°C by mid-May. The findings indicate widespread issues, including sleep deprivation, anxiety, and productivity loss. More than 80% of respondents reported disturbed sleep, while nearly 70% noted that the heat affected their mood. Additionally, over 90% experienced reduced productivity, with many struggling to complete physically demanding tasks. Poor housing conditions, such as semi-pucca homes with tin roofs, compounded these issues, as families often relied solely on fans for cooling. Mujtaba Hasan Askari from HHF highlighted the need for the government’s heat action plan to address housing and workplace safety concerns to support vulnerable urban communities.
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The extreme heat is significantly affecting the health and productivity of urban poor communities in Hyderabad, leading to increased stress and economic losses.
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