Temperatures soar in Kerala, 2 die of suspected sunburn

At least two persons have died of suspected sunburn in Kerala in the last two days even as the weathermen have warned that the maximum temperature was likely to be two to three degrees above normal in 11 districts in the next two days.

According to the Indian Meterological Depratment, maximum temperature was very likely to be above normal by 2 to 3 degrees celsius in 11 districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathnamthitta, Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kannur, till March 26.

A 42-year-old man from nearby Parassala died Sunday, while a 60-year-old man was found in kannur with sun burns.

Though there were sunburns on their bodies, only a post-mortem would reveal the actual cause of death, health department sources said.

An RSP worker in Kollam, who was campaigning for sitting MP N K Premachandran, suffered burns and a three year-old child playing in front of her house also suffered burns in Kasaragod.

With mercury levels soaring in kerala, the labour department has issued an order, making it mandatory to give breaks to workers till April 30 to avoid sunstroke.

Those exposed to the sun should be given rest between 12 PM and 3 PM during the summer months. Their shift timings have also to be rescheduled, the order said.