UV index touches 10 in Kollam, alert issued

The Kollam district administration has issued an alert after the IoT-based weather monitoring system established by the State Disaster Management Authority in Kottarakara recorded an ultraviolet (UV) index of 10 on Thursday.

The region’s ultraviolet index was mostly in the 8-10 range during March. Chavara, Punalur, Paripally, and Karuvelil have recorded temperatures above 37 °C on most days in March. While a UV index of 6 to 7 indicates a need for precautions, 8 to 10 requires extreme vigilance, and above 11 is considered high risk. Although the index is currently available only for Kottarakkara, the authorities have instructed people across the district to remain vigilant.

Sunburn cases

While several sunburn cases have been reported with rising heat, incidents of fire outbreaks in open areas such as gardens, forests, fields, and grass lands have also increased in the district. Since the highest ultraviolet index is recorded between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., it has been advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight during these hours. “Long hours of exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to sunburn, skin diseases, eye diseases, and other health problems. If you experience any discomfort, rest immediately and seek medical attention,” said officials.

High temperatures can lead to several serious health issues, including sunstroke, sunburn, and dehydration. Educational institutions have been asked to ensure clean drinking water for students and ventilation in classrooms. Another instruction is to avoid assemblies and other programmes that expose children to excessive sunlight or reschedule them and allow relaxation in the use of ties and socks that are part of the uniform.

Bedridden patients, elderly, pregnant women, children, people with skin diseases, eye diseases, cancer patients, and those suffering from other ailments have been asked to take special care to avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. All those engaged in outdoor work, including workers involved in building and road construction, agricultural workers, street vendors, MGNREGS workers, traffic police,postmen, linemen, online food delivery personnel, e-commerce parcel delivery personnel, collection agents, sales/marketing executives, and media persons should pay attention to the instructions.

Fire outbreaks

There is a high possibility of fire outbreaks in markets, buildings, waste collection and disposal centres, gardens, and grassy open spaces. Those living near and operating establishments near these places should be specially vigilant. In the context of increasing temperatures, there is a possibility of forest fires spreading. People residing in forest fringes have been directed to avoid situations that can cause forest fires and strictly follow the instructions of the Forest department.