Mercury soars, health department issues alert

KOCHI: With mercury levels in most of the districts in state already crossing 35 degrees Celsius, the health department has issued an alert.

Health minister K K Shailaja has asked public to follow the instructions given by health officials. She said that there were indications that the summer would be intense, and the department had already taken several steps to prevent worsening of conditions.

All district medical officers have been given instructions in this regard.

Meanwhile, India meteorological department (IMD) has issued a warning that the maximum temperature is likely to be above normal by 3-4 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam , Palakkad, and Kozhikode on Tuesday, and by 2-3 degrees Celsius in the following days.

Temperature will rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod till Thursday.

Meanwhile, dry weather prevailed over Kerala & Lakshadweep on Monday. The maximum temperature was the highest in Palakkad (41 degrees Celsius), whereas Punalur recorded the lowest minimum temperature (21 degrees Celsius).

The Kerala state disaster management authority (KSDMA) has asked online food delivery companies to ensure that their delivery personnel are not overexposed to the sun. The personnel should be allowed to rest for a while in between trips and must wear clothes that are suited for the summer.

Police officers on field duty must use umbrellas between 11am and 3pm. KSDMA has asked people to supply water to the cops. Party workers and social activists engaged in poll campaigns should also take note of the heat warnings.

Meanwhile, around ten sunburn cases were reported from Kottayam in the past three weeks. According to health department officials, most of these cases were minor sunburns and many have not approached hospitals for medical support.

(With inputs from Kottayam)