Severe heat in Kerala: One dead, five including children suffer burns; heatwave warning in three districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Severe heat has claimed one life in the state, while several others, including children, have suffered serious burns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. Educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Kollam district have been given a holiday today.
A 37-year-old man, M.V. Sanalkumar, a native of Pallippoyil in Kannur, died due to suspected heatstroke. He was working as a driver in Dubai and had returned home to vote. He collapsed around 11 AM on Wednesday while cleaning a well at a nearby house and died early the next morning at a private hospital. He is survived by his wife Athira and children Shivarudh and Ryan.
In Malappuram district, three children suffered sunburn while playing in their courtyards. The injured are siblings Mridul Krishna (5) and Malhar (3), and Isa John (4). They sustained burns on their backs and hands and received medical treatment.
An interstate worker from Odisha, Pandava Bairai (27), who works at a timber mill in Koothattukulam, also suffered sunburn injuries on his hands and neck and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. In Kozhikode, an anganwadi teacher named Anila suffered burns on her left arm.
The heatwave warning has been issued as temperatures have crossed 40°C. If the current conditions continue for two more days, it will be officially confirmed as a heatwave. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised strict precautions across the state.
Heat felt by body higher than actual air temperature Due to high humidity in this coastal region, the heat felt by the body is higher than the actual air temperature.
Palakkad recorded the highest temperature at 40.2°C yesterday, after touching 41.1°C on Wednesday. Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts are under an orange alert today.
Safety advice
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight; always carry an umbrella
- Take extra care while working under the sun
- Drink plenty of clean water and wear cotton clothes
- Avoid two-wheeler travel in extreme heat as much as possible
- Seek medical help if you feel unwell
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that extreme heat can even lead to loss of life and urged people to remain very cautious.