Kannur: A 37-year-old man died after suffering sunstroke in Kannur amid intense summer heat in Kerala. The deceased has been identified as M.V. Sanal Kumar, a resident of Pallippoyil in Chakkarakkal.
Sanal Kumar, a well construction worker, collapsed while at work on Wednesday afternoon. He was rushed to Kannur District Hospital by co-workers, but could not be saved. His body has been shifted to the hospital mortuary.
In a related incident, an anganwadi teacher in Nadapuram, Kozhikode, suffered sunstroke. Anila, a resident of Valayam Cherumoth, sustained burns on her right hand while working. She sought medical treatment after feeling unwell, and doctors confirmed it was due to sunstroke.
Meanwhile, the state has issued a heatwave warning in three districts — Palakkad, Kollam, and Thrissur — where an orange alert has been declared. This is the first heatwave warning in Kerala since 2024. The State Disaster Management Authority has urged people, especially those engaged in outdoor work, to exercise extreme caution.
Palakkad district continues to reel under severe heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C for several days. On Wednesday, the highest temperature of 41.1°C was recorded near the Malampuzha dam area, with a minimum of 27.2°C and humidity at 49 per cent.
Temperatures also crossed 40°C in Mundur, where a high of 40.2°C was recorded — the first instance this season. Pattambi recorded temperatures up to 37°C, with several other regions also experiencing temperatures above 40°C.
District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, who is also the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, has advised the public to remain vigilant amid the rising heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that high temperatures will persist across the state, although some areas may receive rain or thundershowers until April 26. On the previous day, rainfall was recorded in parts of Thiruvananthapuram, including Pirappancode, Palode, and Udumbannoor, bringing slight relief and a marginal dip in electricity consumption.
In view of the extreme heat, the judiciary has relaxed dress code norms. Judicial officers under the district judiciary have been given the option to forgo wearing gowns, as per an order issued by the High Court Registrar (District Judiciary). Lawyers have also been exempted from wearing black coats and gowns until May 31.