The orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Palakkad district in Kerala indicates a high probability of a heatwave, with temperatures expected to surpass 41 degrees Celsius. Additionally, yellow alerts have been issued for certain areas of Kollam and Thrissur districts, where temperatures are anticipated to exceed 40 degrees Celsius from April 29 to May 3.
In response to the extreme heat conditions, the state government has taken preventive measures, including the closure of educational institutions in Palakkad. Authorities have advised the public to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and limit outdoor activities during the daytime.
Furthermore, the government has extended the rescheduled working hours for laborers until May 15, with strict instructions to employers to ensure that workers do not engage in outdoor activities during the peak daytime hours.
Various preventive instructions have been issued, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors, using umbrellas and footwear when going out, and ensuring proper ventilation at home and workplaces. Additionally, precautions have been recommended to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks, particularly in markets, buildings, and dumping yards.
The severity of the heatwave has already led to unfortunate incidents, with two individuals reportedly succumbing to sunstroke-related incidents on Sunday. These developments underscore the urgent need for the public to adhere to preventive measures and exercise caution during this period of extreme heat.
