Power consumption at record-levels in Kerala as mercury soars

: With mercury- levels in Kerala continuing to rise, power consumption touched an all-time high of 86.10 million units as of Wednesday night.

Records are being re-written every day since Monday in Kerala with the state Electricity Board recording power consumption of 86.10 million units, the highest so far.

On Monday, power consumption was recorded at 84. 21 million units against last year's 80.84 million units.

"On Tuesday, the consumption rose to another record at 85.89 million units. However, yesterday it touched 86.10 million units," a top official of the the Kerala State Electricity Board told PTI.

The official further said the board was well equipped to deal with increasing consumption, adding that the dams across the state have water to generate 1800 million units of power.

"During the peak hours, we use the power generated from the dams also. During the day, we use power we purchase from the central pool," he said.

The official said the board would not resort to power cuts as it used to earlier.

"There will be no power restrictions this time. The board is fully equipped to deal with the summer. We have already entered into agreement with the Centre and other private players. We have long-term agreements to receive power from the central pool," the official said.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Thursday said the maximum temperature in 13 out of the 14 districts in Kerala would be above normal by 2 to 3 degree Celsius Thursday and Friday.

IMD has issued a high temperature warning for 13 of the 14 districts, except Wayanad.

"Maximum temperature is very likely to be above normal by 2 to 3 degree Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasaragode and Kozhikode districts on March 28 and 29," the IMD website said.

Several parts of Kerala have been hit by soaring mercury with over hundreds of cases of sun burns being reported till Thursday.

At least eight people have suffered sunburns and taken medical help in various districts, according to reports.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also issued guidelines to deal with the rising temperature.

It has asked asked the people not to venture outdoors between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Drink at least two litres of safe drinking water.

Use loose cottonwears and take bath twice a day and reduce excessive use of liquor, tea and coffee, the IMA said in a press release.

So far, 54 cases of heat rashes and 46 cases of sunburns have been reported across various districts, health department sources said.

Two cases of sun strokewere also reported.