Kerala heatwave halts preschool activities in anganwadis; Death toll climbs to 2

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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding a potential heatwave in several districts of Kerala due to rising temperatures. Following directives from Health Minister Veena George, the Department of Women and Child Development has opted to suspend preschool activities in Anganwadis across the state for a week. However, other Anganwadi operations will proceed as usual, with supplementary nutrition being delivered to children’s homes during this period.

On Sunday, Kerala reported two fatalities attributed to sunstroke. The victims have been identified as Lakshmi (90) from Palakkad and Viswanathan (53) from Mahe.

Lakshmi was discovered near a canal on Saturday evening. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she was pronounced dead. While her body displayed signs of burns, the exact cause of death was initially unclear; however, the post-mortem examination on Sunday confirmed sunstroke as the cause.

Viswanathan, a resident of Mahe, succumbed to sunstroke while receiving medical treatment. He had suffered heatstroke two days earlier while working on a well.

Previously, the IMD had issued a heatwave warning for three districts due to extreme temperatures. According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in various parts of Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts on April 27 and 28, 2024. The notification underscores the need for extreme caution, urging the general public and non-governmental organisations to exercise vigilance.

Health Minister Veena George has advised the public to take precautions, emphasising the potential adverse effects of the heatwave on health and bodily functions. She specifically highlighted the vulnerability of children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Minimising direct sun exposure and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water are recommended preventive measures, as dehydration poses a significant risk.

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