Kerala reeling under intense heat; no sign of rain for five days, three districts on special alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central meteorological department has warned that the temperature is likely to rise in the state. The Central Meteorological Department informed that the temperature may rise to 37 degrees celsius in Kozhikode and 36 degrees celsius in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts (3-4 degrees celsius more than normal) today and tomorrow. High temperature yellow alert has been declared in these districts.

The meteorological department has advised against fishing in the above areas due to the possibility of strong winds of 45 to 55 km per hour and at some occasions up to 65 km per hour along the southern Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar and Kanyakumari coast. No rain warning has been issued for five days.

Alerts issued by the state disaster management authority for the public in case of intense heat being reported in the state

High heat can cause many serious health problems such as sunstroke, sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, the general public should follow the following instructions.

• Avoid exposing the body to direct sunlight for a long time between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Drink as much fresh water as possible. Keep drinking water even if you are not thirsty.
• Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated soft drinks during the day.
• Wear loose, light colored cotton clothes.
• Wear footwear when going out. It would be better to use an umbrella or a hat.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage use of ORS solution, butter milk etc.
• In places like markets, buildings, waste collection and deposit centers (dumping yards), there is a high possibility of fire outbreaks and spread. Fire audit should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those who live near them and run establishments should be especially careful.
• There is a possibility of forest fire spreading in case of excessive heat. Tourists and people living near forest areas should be especially careful. Forest fire situations should be avoided. The instructions of the forest department should be followed strictly.
• Clean drinking water should be ensured for students in educational institutions and air circulation should be ensured in classrooms. Water availability should also be ensured in the examination halls during examination period.
• School authorities and parents should pay special attention in the case of students. Assemblies and other events that expose children to excessive sunlight should be avoided or rescheduled. Schools taking children on field trips should ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Respective panchayat authorities and anganwadi employees should pay special attention to implement that Anganwadi children are not exposed to heat.
• Sections such as bedridden patients, elderly, pregnant women, children, differently abled and those suffering from other diseases should take special care not to be exposed to direct sunlight from 11 am to 3 pm. Special attention should be paid to such sections as they are prone to sunburn easily.
• The respective establishments should ensure that online food delivery on two-wheelers are safe during noon (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress appropriately to avoid exposure to heat and also be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey if necessary.
• Media workers and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and avoid direct sun exposure. Help prevent dehydration by providing drinking water to personnel on duty.
• Travelers should continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water handy.
• Construction workers, agricultural laborers, street vendors, and those engaged in any other strenuous work may adjust their working hours. Ensure adequate rest at work.
• Avoid leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and keeping other domestic animals tied up in the sun. Ensure access to water for animals and birds.

• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
• Measures should be taken to use water without wastage and store maximum water during rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration.
• If you feel uncomfortable, rest immediately and seek medical attention.