Youth dies of heatstroke while digging well in Kannur

KANNUR: A youth died due to a heatstroke while digging a well in the district. He has been identified as Sanal Kumar M V (37) of Pallipoil in Kannur. He collapsed unconscious when digging the well after being exposed to extreme heat yesterday. He was immediately taken to the hospital. He died Thursday morning while undergoing treatment. The doctors confirmed the cause of death as heatstroke. The body will be handed over to his relatives after postmortem. The Chakkarakkal police have registered a case of unnatural death.

Several people are undergoing treatment for heatstroke in various places in the state today. Anila, an Aanganwadi teacher at Nadapuram Valayam, Kozhikode, suffered heatstroke. She sustained burns on her right hand. She felt physical discomfort while working at the Anganwadi. After seeking treatment, the doctor confirmed that it was heatstroke. A four-year-old girl identified as Issa John also suffered heatstroke at Wandoor in Malappuram. She sustained burns while playing.

Meantime, the India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning in the state. The heatwave warning has currently been officially announced in Palakkad, Kollam and Thrissur. The IMD has issued a heatwave warning in the context of the ambient temperature rising above 40 degrees Celsius in Kerala and a temperature difference of more than four and a half degrees above normal. The Disaster Management Authority has also informed people in all districts to be vigilant.

Precautionary measures

• Continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays for a long time can cause sunburn, skin diseases, eye diseases and other health issues. The public should take safety precautions.
• The highest ultraviolet index is recorded between 10 am and 3 pm. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight on the body for a long time during those hours as much as possible.
• People who work outdoors, fishermen involved in sea and inland fishing, those involved in water transport, bikers, tourists, people with skin diseases, albinism, eye diseases, cancer patients, and other groups with low immunity should be especially careful.
• Try to use a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses when going out during the day. It is advisable to wear cotton clothes that cover the entire body.
• Try to rest in the shade during breaks while traveling.