Thiruvananthapuram: A heat wave alert has been issued for Kerala till Thursday with the mercury level witnessing a steady increase over the past few days.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperature was likely to be above normal in all districts, except Idukki and Wayanad. The IMD warned that temperature would rise by 4 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad and Kozhikode. Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, and Kannur will see a rise of 3 degrees Celsius.
RealFeel Temperature
Though the mercury level yet to touch 40 degrees Celsius, the RealFeel Temperature is above 50 degrees Celsius. Palakkad and northern districts are reeling under the scorching sun. Experts have said that the RealFeel Temperature crossing 45 degrees Celsius was harmful.
At least three people have died, while 118 persons suffered sunburns in the state. Karunakaran, a 43-year-old man from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram, died Sunday, while 67-year-old Narayanan was found dead in Kannur with sunburns. Shahjahan, 55, of Chavara in Kollam also died of sunburns.
Avoid the sun
* Everyone, including labourers, should avoid the sun from 11am to 3pm. The labour department has issued an order, making it mandatory to give breaks to workers till April 30 to avoid sunstroke.
* A small bottle of water has to be carried always to prevent dehydration.
* Patients have to keep away from direct sunlight till 3 pm.
* Replace beverages like tea and coffee with pure drinking water during day time.
* School authorities and parents should maintain heightened alert as most schools are conducting their annual exams.
* Teachers taking students for tours during the vacation have to ensure that the youngsters are not exposed to direct sunlight.
* Panchayat authorities and staff have to take steps to protect kids in Anganwadis from excessive heat.
* Those exposed to the sun should be given rest between 12pm and 3pm