THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has changed the working hours of ration shops, minding the uncontrollable heat. From here on, ration shops will be open from 8 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Meanwhile, deaths due to heatwave and sunstroke were also reported in the state. The government have tightened the restrictions by shutting down Educational Institutions including Professional Colleges till May 6th.

The Disaster Management Authority meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also decided to avoid daytime parades and drills in the training centres of police, fire force, NCC, SPC etc. Fire audits should be conducted in areas prone to fire such as markets, buildings and waste collection depots. Safety precautions should be taken. Fire audits of hospitals and major government institutions should be done promptly.