Kerala on High Alert as KSDMA Issues Comprehensive Heatwave Safety Mandates

Central to the advisory is a strict directive for the public to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between the peak hours of 11 am and 3 pm. To combat the physiological strain of the heat, individuals are advised to consume sufficient quantities of clean water regardless of whether they feel thirsty. Conversely, the authority has warned against the consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks during the daytime, as these beverages can exacerbate dehydration. To sustain hydration levels, the KSDMA recommends an increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

Beyond personal health, the authority has highlighted a heightened risk of fire outbreaks, noting that markets, buildings, and waste dumping yards are particularly vulnerable under these extreme conditions. Consequently, the KSDMA has called for immediate fire audits and the implementation of strict safety precautions, especially for those residing in proximity to such high-risk zones. This vigilance must extend to the natural environment, as the advisory notes a surge in the likelihood of forest fires. Residents near forest fringes and tourists are urged to remain alert and strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the Forest Department.

Educational institutions have been placed under specific mandates to protect students. School authorities are directed to ensure uninterrupted access to clean drinking water and maintain proper ventilation within classrooms and examination halls. Furthermore, schools must cancel outdoor activities, such as assemblies, during peak heat hours and exercise extreme caution when organizing student trips. Local self-government bodies and anganwadi workers are further tasked with ensuring that children are shielded from excessive heat exposure.

The KSDMA has categorized the elderly, pregnant women, children, persons with disabilities, and those with pre-existing illnesses as highly vulnerable groups, advising them to remain indoors during the hottest periods of the day. Employers, particularly those managing delivery personnel and outdoor workers, are now responsible for ensuring safety measures, including the provision of appropriate clothing and mandatory rest breaks. Similarly, on-duty police personnel and media workers are advised to use umbrellas and maintain constant hydration. Public event organizers are required to provide shade and drinking water, with a strong recommendation to avoid scheduling gatherings between 11 am and 3 pm.

The reach of these guidelines extends to the state’s workforce and travelers alike. Laborers, farmers, and street vendors are urged to reschedule their work hours to ensure sufficient breaks, while travelers are advised to carry water and rest frequently. The KSDMA has also extended its protection to animals and pets, stating they must not be left in direct sunlight or trapped inside parked vehicles, and must be provided with adequate water. Amidst these concerns, the authority emphasized the necessity of water conservation and rainwater harvesting to mitigate potential shortages.

A significant portion of the advisory focuses on the invisible threat of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which peak between 10 am and 3 pm. Prolonged exposure can result in debilitating skin and eye conditions. High-risk individuals, including fishermen, transport workers, bikers, tourists, and those with weakened immunity, are urged to use sunglasses, hats, and full-coverage clothing. As Kerala grapples with this thermal emergency, the KSDMA stresses that any individual experiencing discomfort must seek immediate medical attention and remain tethered to official updates from the India Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities to ensure collective safety.