Thiruvananthapuram With temperatures climbing across Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday chaired a high-level review and issued a series of directions, including ensuring uninterrupted power supply, to address heatwave-related concerns.

The online meeting was attended by Ministers K Rajan, K Krishnankutty, A K Saseendran, V N Vasavan, M B Rajesh and Veena George, along with senior officials and State Police chief Ravada Chandrasekhar. The Chief Minister also directed that water availability be ensured across the state, an official statement said.

Vijayan said excessive heat could drive snakes into cooler spaces, calling for precautions to prevent their entry into homes and surroundings. He asked the Health Department to expand availability of antivenom in more health centres amid recent snakebite cases.

He also flagged a possible rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis—a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri found in warm fresh water—during summer. He advised avoiding bathing or washing the face in unclean or stagnant water and called for cleaning water reservoirs.

Public places, including markets and bus stands, should provide adequate drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, sunstroke first-aid, temporary shade pavilions and water distribution facilities. He urged coordinated action by health workers, local body representatives, officials, trade unions and voluntary organisations.

Revenue Minister K Rajan too urged people to remain vigilant as temperatures continue to rise in the state. He said intense heat conditions are likely to persist for two more days and advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel. 

“One must be able to prevent the effects by drinking plenty of water and taking necessary physical rest. Unnecessary travel during daytime should be avoided. As per the government protocol, those who can remain in a mindset similar to a lockdown should continue to do so. Those with health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, skin diseases and cancer should take special care. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and those with conditions such as albinism are requested to follow a self-lockdown in line with government protocol. Unnecessary travel should be avoided for the next two to three days,” Rajan said.

Local self-government institutions have been assigned the responsibility of preparing local heat action plans. The minister also said workplaces must ensure adequate rest for workers.

Directions related to Thrissur Pooram had already been issued, the minister said. He added that discussions were held with organisers regarding heat exposure to elephants. Arrangements should be made to keep them cool, including regular watering using sacks and similar measures to prevent distress.

Restrictions, infrastructure and disaster preparedness

Strict curbs were suggested on public programmes, selection trials, day camps and sports during heatwave warnings. Vijayan also called for campaigns promoting rainwater harvesting and for weather monitoring systems with public participation, with funding from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to be considered.

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) was directed to implement the Wayanad district plan in the first phase and install rain gauges ahead of the monsoon. The efficiency of its warning system, “Kavacham”, is to be ensured, alongside installation of automatic gauges in disaster-prone areas.

The Health Department was asked to establish permanent heat and burn clinics with advanced facilities in selected hospitals. All anganwadis are to be converted into heat-resilient buildings using cool roofs and improved ventilation.

The KSEB was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prepare for increased future demand due to higher temperatures and greater use of air conditioners. Campaigns to promote energy-efficient appliances and non-conventional energy sources were also proposed.

Earlier, KSDMA said high ultraviolet radiation levels continued across Kerala. Maximum temperatures are likely to reach around 40°C in Palakkad, 39°C in Kollam, 38°C in Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod, 37°C in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kannur, and 36°C in Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram—3 to 4 degrees above normal.

Outdoor workers, fishermen, water transport workers, tourists, people with skin diseases, albinism, cancer and others with low immunity have been advised to take precautions, including using hats, umbrellas, sunglasses and cotton clothing.