Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department has sounded an orange alert in Palakkad on Monday in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions in several places of the district. The maximum temperature in the district is very likely to be around 41 degrees Celsius, predicted IMD. A yellow alert is sounded in Kollam and Thrissur districts as the maximum temperature touched 40 degrees Celsius.
Palakkad District collector Dr S Chithra has issued an order directing all educational institutions including professional colleges to remain shut till Thursday (May 4). Additional classes and summer classes are also restricted in the district. Strict action will be taken against the institutions that violate the order.
People who are engaged in construction, cleaning works and MNREGS workers are cautioned against working from 11 am to 3 pm as there are chances for heatstroke. Directions are also given to ensure drinking water supply in public places like hospitals.
Meanwhile, state Labour Minister V Sivankutty said the rescheduled working hours of labourers during the day have been extended till May 15 in the wake of a steady increase in temperature and due to the possible threat of a heatwave. Strict action would be taken against the employer if labourers were found to be working during the day hours from 12 pm to 3.00 pm, he said. The minister also directed Labour Commissioner Arjun Pandian to take steps to conduct strict inspections at all workplaces in the state and to take action against violations.
State Health Minister Veena George cautioned on Monday that intense heat may cause serious health issues like sunstroke, sunburn, and dehydration. Children, elderly people, pregnant women, and those suffering from serious health issues should pay extra vigil, she said.
The health minister also took stock of the general situation prevailing in the state in the wake of the steady increase in temperatures. The India Metrogical Department has sounded an alert for all districts except Wayanad and Idukki in the state.
“Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 39˚C in Kozhikode district, around 38˚C in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta & Kannur districts, around 37˚C in Ernakulam, Malappuram & Kasaragod districts and around 36˚C in Thiruvananthapuram district (3 to 5˚C above normal) during 29th April to 03rd May 2024,” reads the IMD alert.
The meteorological department uses four colour codes - green (no action needed), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared) and red (take action)- for weather warning.
In the wake of the continuing hot weather, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned against the possibility of fire outbreaks in markets, buildings and dumping yards in the above districts. Fire audits should be conducted, and proper safety precautions should be taken to avert any danger, the agency said. There is also a possibility of forest fires due to increasing heat, so tourists and people living in forest fringe areas should exercise caution, the KSDMA added.
On Sunday, two people died of heatstroke in Palakkad and Kannur. The KSDMA has issued a public health advisory as heatwave conditions can be fatal. The public is advised to stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm and drink sufficient water. The major guidelines are as follows:
- Avoid engaging in works, sports, or other activities during daytime
- Drink plenty of water
- Always carry umbrella and wear footwear while going outside
- Those who are engaged in outdoor work must take break for rest
- Do not drink liquor, carbonated drinks, tea or coffee during daytime to avoid chances of dehydration
- Do not leave electric equipment at office and home plugged as the wires may catch fire
- Always ensure proper ventilation in offices and houses
- Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink
- Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles
(With PTI inputs)
