Kochi: For many families, a power cut is an inconvenience. For others, it can prove fatal.

The death of a 71-year-old differently-abled woman in Kochi after suffering severe burns while trying to light a candle during a blackout has brought into sharp focus the human cost of Kerala's worsening power crisis. It comes just days after another death in Palakkad, where a patient dependent on an oxygen concentrator allegedly died after the device stopped working during a power outage.

Mariyam Paily, a resident of Pottakuzhy in Ernakulam district, died at Kottayam Medical College Hospital on Friday while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.

The incident took place at around 8.30 pm on Monday after electricity supply to the area was disrupted. Mariyam, whose right arm and one leg were paralysed, was trying to light a candle with a matchstick when it slipped onto her lap.

Her nightie caught fire and the flames spread rapidly, leaving her with extensive burns below the waist. She was first admitted to a nearby general hospital before being shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. Despite intensive treatment, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday.

A life lived with community support

Mariyam had been living alone for several years, relying on the support of neighbours and voluntary organisations. Her elder sister, who lives in Koonammavu, would visit and care for her whenever her health worsened.

Her death has added to growing concerns over the impact of repeated power cuts, particularly on elderly people, those living alone and individuals with disabilities.

Earlier this week, a patient in Palakkad who had been discharged from hospital with continuous oxygen support allegedly died after a power cut stopped the oxygen concentrator being used at home. According to a social media post by a health worker, the patient's oxygen levels dropped after the machine lost power. Although electricity was later restored, his condition did not improve and he died the following morning.

Former Health Minister Veena George described the incident as "heartbreaking" and alleged that lives were being lost because of the government's negligence. Referring to the family's claim that they were asked by a Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) official why they had not bought an inverter, she said many families could not afford backup power systems.

The incidents come as the UDF-led state government faces mounting criticism over prolonged electricity restrictions. Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has attributed the crisis to a sharp rainfall deficit that has reduced hydel generation, rising demand due to higher temperatures, the repayment of borrowed electricity and the cancellation of a long-term power purchase agreement by the previous LDF government. The Opposition, however, has continued to target the government over the recurring power disruptions.