Thiruvananthapuram: With temperatures rising sharply across the state, the Kerala government has stepped up its response to a potential heat wave crisis, as Pinarayi Vijayan called for a high-level review meeting to be held on Saturday. The decision comes amid growing concern over extreme weather conditions and their possible impact on public health, labor, and essential services.
The alert follows warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department, which has indicated the likelihood of severe heat conditions affecting several regions of Kerala in the coming days. Experts have cautioned that the combination of high temperature and humidity could significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas.
Government sources indicate that multiple departments including health, disaster management, labor, and local self-government institutions have been instructed to intensify coordination efforts. The upcoming meeting is expected to review preparedness strategies, assess district-level readiness, and implement immediate measures to reduce the impact of extreme heat on the population.
Health authorities are on high alert, with hospitals and primary health centres being directed to ensure the availability of essential medicines, cooling facilities, and emergency response systems to treat heatstroke, dehydration, and related conditions. Special attention is being given to vulnerable groups such as elderly citizens, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
The government is also considering preventive interventions, including revising working hours for laborers exposed to direct sunlight, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture. Educational institutions may be advised to alter schedules or take precautionary steps to protect students from prolonged exposure during peak heat hours.
Public awareness campaigns are being strengthened across the state, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel during midday hours, and take necessary precautions to prevent heat exhaustion. Local bodies are expected to set up drinking water kiosks and shaded rest areas, especially in busy urban centres and rural marketplaces.
Officials have also noted that Kerala is increasingly witnessing extreme weather patterns, reflecting a broader climate trend observed across India. The intensification of heat waves, even in traditionally moderate regions like Kerala, is being seen as a growing environmental and public health challenge.
The high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister is likely to result in a comprehensive heat action plan, aimed at ensuring coordinated response, rapid intervention, and community-level preparedness to face the intensifying summer conditions.