Kerala in throes of extreme heat; IMD issues warning to six districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will witness unprecedented heat in the next two days, warned the IMD. The temperature may rise to 37 degrees Celsius in Kollam while Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts will go a tad higher to 37 degrees Celsius.

State Disaster Management Authority has also issued an alert for the public to take notice. The general public should practice caution as serious health problems such as sunstroke, chickenpox, sunburn and dehydration are being massively reported in Kerala.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for a long time between eleven and three in the morning.

• 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-coloured 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 the use of sambharam, a Kerala-style spicy buttermilk.

Apart from this, people should seek medical attention if wearied out in the summer heat. Also, heed and obey the official warnings of the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Authority.