File photo is for representational purposes only.
Amid rising day temperatures, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an alert advising state workers, general public and officials involved in election campaigns to be cautious. Prolonged exposure to direct heat on the body can cause health problems such as heatstroke, sunstroke and dehydration. Therefore, those involved in election activities should take adequate security measures, the agency said.
Those participating in the campaign activities should carry a bottle of drinking water and should make a habit of drinking plenty of water at regular intervals even if they do not feel thirsty. The public was also advised to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm. It is recommended to use an umbrella and a cap along with wearing shoes. Political parties are advised to hold large public gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, roadshows and candidate tours after 4:00 p.m.
Organizers of such public programs should ensure that public meetings during the day are as short as possible and that adequate shade and drinking water are provided. First aid facilities and ambulances should also be arranged for heat-related health problems at public gatherings that involve large crowds and last for a long time. Special attention should be paid to the elderly, people with health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, people with skin diseases, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, as they are more susceptible to heat-related health problems.
Those who need to stay warm for long periods of time, such as candidates, media workers, police officers in security positions, and political activists, must take the necessary safety precautions. They should rest at regular intervals and drink plenty of water, the agency said.
If someone feels excessive fatigue, dizziness, headache, muscle spasms or body redness, they must be immediately moved to a shady place to rest.
Meanwhile, parts of the state are likely to experience thunderstorms influenced by a trough that runs from Marathawada to south Tamil Nadu through interior Karnataka.
Yellow alert
According to a weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday, a cyclonic upper air circulation is present over the south coast of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and surrounding areas between 1.5 and 3.1 km above mean sea level. Thunderstorms are expected across the state under the system’s influence.
A yellow alert was issued for Idukki and Pathanamthitta on Saturday, warning of isolated heavy rains.
Similarly, Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta were placed on yellow alert by the Met agency on Sunday as well.
Published – April 4, 2026 11:04 AM IST
