The city is sizzling under the sweltering heat with life turning tough for its people.
Kochiites are running for cover to escape the scorching sun as weather experts attribute the rising mercury levels to the increase in humidity levels along the coastal region. “That’s why we feel more uncomfortable. The sun is just overhead during this season,” said K. Mohankumar, Director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Kochi recorded the highest temperature of 35.6 degree Celsius on April 6 when the data between March 28 and April 18 was analysed. The maximum temperature levels are varying between 33.9 and 35.4 degree Celsius over the past five days. The minimum temperature was hovering around 26 to 27 degree Celsius and above from April 12 to April 18 as per the data available with the Cusat centre. Explaining that only four cases of heat stroke have been recorded in the district after the mercury levels shot up considerably, District Medical Officer N.K. Kuttapan requested the public not to venture out when the temperatures peak. People should also avoid wearing clothes that would make them feel uncomfortable, he said.
Advising parents to provide at least five to 10 glass of water extra to children daily depending on their age, S. Sachidananda Kamath, former president of the Indian Academy of Paediatricians (IAP), said that children should urinate at least four to five times daily. “It’s a sign of dehydration, if they are not able to do it. Parents need not restrain their children from playing outdoors in the morning and evening hours as physical activity is crucial for their well being. Children could be told to stay indoors when the temperature peaks,” he said.
There is a good news for traffic police personnel, who had no other option but to stand in the open and regulate traffic in the city till now. Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh said on Wednesday that duty timings for policemen on the roads have been adjusted to evade the sweltering heat. “They could stand under trees or any other shade from 12 noon to 3 p.m. from Thursday. We have also asked them to increase water intake to avoid dehydration,” he said.
P.A. Basheer, District Animal Husbandry Officer, said that one cattle had died of sunstroke at Veliyathunadu in Ernakulam. “We have asked the farmers to take their animals to the nearby veterinary hospitals if they are found in a dehydrated condition or showing signs of weakness or discomfort during this summer season,” he said.
