THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The IMD has issued an orange alert for heatwave conditions in parts of Kerala, prompting authorities to urge extreme caution amid soaring temperatures and high humidity.
According to a press release, heat wave is likely at isolated places in Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts on Thursday and Friday.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach around 41°C in Palakkad, 40°C in Kollam and Thrissur, and around 38°C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kozhikode during April 23-24, which is around 4-5°C above normal.
Other districts, including Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod, may see temperatures around 37 degrees Celsius, while Thiruvananthapuram is likely to record around 36 degrees Celsius.
On April 25 and 26, temperatures are expected to remain above normal, with Palakkad around 40 degrees Celsius, Kollam 39 degrees Celsius, Thrissur and Kottayam 38 degrees Celsius, and most other areas hovering between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius.
The IMD also warned of hot and humid conditions across the state, except mountainous areas, during the period from April 23 to 26.
In view of this situation, the Kerala Disaster Management Authority has issued strict guidelines, especially to the Education Department.
The statement said that all vacation classes, camps and similar student activities have been suspended during the warning period, including private schools.
Exam-related activities, such as assessment, may not continue unless adequate safeguards are ensured, including adequate ventilation, access to drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
The authorities also directed that precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses be communicated to students and parents through channels such as WhatsApp groups and KITE Victers platform, and instructed officials to coordinate with district disaster management authorities.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to be extremely cautious as temperatures continue to rise across the state.
He said in a Facebook post that temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, while high humidity increased discomfort in other places.
Vijayan warned that extreme heat could lead to serious health complications and even death, and advised people to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, calling it a “self-lockdown” period similar to the precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He urged people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor work, and ensure proper ventilation in homes and workplaces.
He added that it is also recommended to wear light, loose cotton clothing and use protective equipment such as umbrellas and sunglasses.
Highlighting the preparedness, the Prime Minister said working hours have been rescheduled to reduce exposure during the day, and employment guarantee work has been halted during peak heat hours.
He also called for ensuring drinking water and shade for animals, and encouraged local bodies, Kudumbashree units and voluntary organizations to establish public drinking water facilities.
People experiencing symptoms of heatstroke were advised to seek immediate medical attention, while bystanders were urged to assist affected individuals by moving them to shaded areas and helping to cool their bodies.
“Together, and in cooperation, we can overcome this harsh summer as well,” he said.
This article was generated from an automated news feed without any modifications to the text.
