Thiruvananthapuram, April 23 (IANS). A 37-year-old man reportedly died of heatstroke in Kerala’s Kannur. Kerala is experiencing intense heat, due to which an official heat wave (loo) alert has been issued in some parts of the state.
The deceased Sanal Kumar was a resident of Pallipoyil; He suddenly collapsed while digging a well on Wednesday afternoon and was later declared dead.
The incident comes amid a sharp rise in temperatures across Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heat wave warning for Palakkad, Kollam and Thrissur districts.
This warning has been issued when the atmospheric temperature has gone above 40 degrees Celsius. Also, it has increased by more than 4.5 degrees from the normal level. Officials have appealed to be more cautious in all the districts.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has directed to implement strict safety measures, warning that the current conditions pose a major health threat, especially to those exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest time of the day.
In view of the heat wave warning, sirens were sounded under the alert system after 12:30 pm in Kollam and Palakkad districts as well as other areas where temperatures are continuously rising.
The move aims to strengthen awareness and preparedness among people in view of increasing heat stress.
The situation has become worse due to the coastal location of Kerala, where due to high humidity the heat index, i.e. the temperature felt in the human body, has increased much more than the recorded figures. Staying outside for longer periods than this becomes especially dangerous.
If the current trend continues for two consecutive days, the IMD is expected to officially confirm heat wave conditions. Until then, officials have reiterated the need to take precautions, including drinking plenty of water, limiting sun exposure, and following advice.
–IANS
PSK