Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is facing a rise in fever and influenza cases as the state continues to deal with power restrictions and warnings of heavy rain in several districts.
More than 10,000 people have reportedly been seeking treatment for fever each day in Kerala. On Tuesday, 147 influenza cases were reported. The number of influenza cases recorded in September had reached 1,014, with six deaths reported during the period.
Kerala's Directorate of Health Services has issued guidelines for managing increasing fever cases, including influenza like illness and severe acute respiratory infections.
The fever figures do not mean that all those seeking treatment have influenza. Fever can have several causes, while the reported influenza figures refer specifically to identified influenza cases.
The health situation comes as Kerala prepares for more rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall in parts of the state, with yellow alerts issued for several districts on September 11 and 12. Rainfall activity is expected to continue through September 14.
On September 11, yellow alerts are in place for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. For September 12, the alert covers Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam and Palakkad.
The weather department has also warned of high waves and rough sea conditions along parts of the Thiruvananthapuram coast. People in coastal areas and those involved in fishing and other sea related activities have been advised to follow official warnings.
At the same time, power restrictions are continuing across Kerala as electricity demand remains high and available supply is under pressure.
The Kerala State Electricity Board has said the gap between demand and available supply could reach about 800 MW to 900 MW during peak periods. High demand, reduced availability from central generating stations and limited access to additional electricity have contributed to the situation.
From September 11, KSEB is introducing a system to alert consumers in advance about expected power cuts through SMS messages across the state. The system was first tested in Thiruvananthapuram.
KSEB has also instructed its offices to ensure that electricity supply is not disrupted more than twice in a particular locality.
The electricity situation has become a political issue as well. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has criticised decisions taken by the previous government over long term power arrangements. The government has said earlier decisions have contributed to the present difficulties.
Another major political and legal development concerns Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and his family.
The Enforcement Directorate has asked the Kerala Police to register a case against Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, his son in law P A Mohammed Riyas and others in connection with allegations involving payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd to Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to Veena.
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that the payments were part of a wider bribery arrangement. Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected the allegations and said the payments to his daughter's company were legitimate remuneration for professional services and that taxes were paid.
The Kerala Home Department has sought legal advice from the Advocate General before deciding whether to register an FIR based on the Enforcement Directorate's request.
The investigation into a proposed event involving Argentine football star Lionel Messi has also produced new findings.
A Special Investigation Team examining tax issues involving Reporter Broadcasting Company has identified an alleged tax liability of Rs 25.78 crore. The investigation also found bank credits of about Rs 549.22 crore that require reconciliation with the company's declared turnover.
The Rs 549.22 crore figure does not mean that an equivalent amount has been established as fraud. It refers to bank credits examined by investigators, while the Rs 25.78 crore figure concerns the alleged tax liability identified by the investigation.
The case follows the failed proposal to bring Messi and the Argentina national football team to Kerala. Further investigations are continuing into the tax and financial irregularities surrounding the proposal.
The Kerala Public Service Commission is also facing scrutiny over irregularities in an examination. A Crime Branch investigation has identified serious lapses by two officials and recommended departmental action.
Investigators have also moved to question a PSC member while examining whether there was a wider conspiracy. The investigation is continuing and no wider conspiracy has been established at this stage.
In another case in Thiruvananthapuram district, a one and a half year old girl died after suffering a serious neck injury in Vilavoorkal in Malayinkeezhu. Police took the child's mother, Christy, into custody.
The circumstances and motive behind the child's death are still under investigation.
Kerala is therefore facing several developments at the same time, with health authorities monitoring fever cases, the weather department warning of more rain and KSEB managing a continuing shortage of electricity during peak periods. Political and institutional investigations are also continuing across the state.