Kerala in the clutches of summer heat

Temperature above 40 degree Celsius in these districts and in some spots it is 42 degree Celsius

Extreme summer heat affects the life of Keralites very badly and acute shortage for drinking water is the most serious problem, now –a-days, in most districts including the coastal districts.

The average temperature across the state has now increased to 39 degree Celsius and extremely hot climate is prevalent in districts like Thrissur and Palakkad.

The temperature is above 40 degree Celsius in these districts and in some spots it is 42 degree Celsius. At Mundoor, in Thrissur district, daily temperature recorded a highest of 41 degree Celsius on Saturday. Last year, this was 40 degree Celsius.

According to Meteorological Scientists this is for the first time that the daily temperature crossing 40 degree Celsius in the month of March. According to India Meteorological Department, significant change in the temperature level over many parts of India is not expected and temperature would rise by 2-4°C during the first week of April.

The department’s latest report said that in Kerala day time temperature is above the normal [AN] level in this season and some days during last week the heat toll is appreciably above the normal [AAN] level. Along with this, the rising mercury level of the poll campaign adds to the worries of the common voters.

The Kerala Labour Department has changed the timings of day time outside workers and as per the latest instructions during 12 noon to 3 pm labourers should be given rest. The working time should be fixed eight hours in between 7 am and 6 pm giving rest for three hours during the noon, when the daily temperature is at its peak.

The department had taken this decision as sun stroke to workers was reported at various places of the state. Due to the hottest summer season, there is acute shortage for drinking water as most of the ponds, wells and water sources, including small rivers are dried up.

Drinking water business is brisk in all major towns as even households depend on drinking water distributing agencies for clean water. The case of hotels in cities like Kochi is more pathetic and a section of the hotels were closed due to scarcity for water. Jose Joseph, a hotel owner told Business Standard that shortage for water is very severe for the last 2-3 weeks.

‘We depend on tankers that distributes water, They have now doubled the charges and we are not getting water even at higher prices. Demand for fruits like water melon is at its peak and business is brisk in almost all parts of the state. The price of water melon now increased to Rs 10-12 a Kg. Price of lemon also increased to Rs 80/Kg which was Rs 60, a week back. The seasonal supply of mango gives some relief to customers now. Mango price drops to Rs 20-30, Kg from Rs 60-70, a month back. Ripe mangos attract a price band of Rs 60 -120, according to variety.

In Kerala summer heat also causes spreading of diseases like Chicken pox. Reports said that hundreds of people are now having this disease and deaths are also reported in districts like Thrissur and Palakkad. Incidents of de-hydration and sun stroke were reported from various locations.

Summer heat also caused extensive wild fire in districts like Wynad and Thrissur. Hundreds of acres of forest were destroyed in Wynad, couple of weeks back, in which the Forest Department smells a sabotage.

Extreme heat has also badly hit the agriculture sector of the state and the most affected sector in natural rubber. Major plantations have already stopped tapping and this clearly causes serious shortage for rubber.