Heatwave: Alert against sunstroke in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: Following last year's devastating heatwave which resulted in some 30 people suffering sunstrokes in the city, the district administration had issued warnings.

But they are thrown to the winds as the labourers are still working during the peak hot hours. The administration has decided to meet the employers to discuss the same.

The meteorological department had already predicted this summer would be hotter than last year with more extended heat wave conditions. The present condition ranges within 30 to 33 degree Celsius.

"We are forced to work in the daytime especially between 11 am to 2 pm, as it is considered as the peak time in every business here, mainly because all the loads from other states or districts come during this time," said Harshad Irshan, a porter working near Mofussil Bus Stand.

"If we block the loads coming from other states, there will be a whole lot of delay in the next loads to arrive."

"At the same time, it is tough to work under such a high temperature, as our work mostly involves physical activity. We have even seen many workers collapsing due to dehydration," he added.

District collector U. V. Jose said he had already issued a circular through the labour department to provide a break for workers from 12 pm to 3 pm. 
"But it has been noticed that the circular is yet to be followed," he said.

"Hence we are once again going to introduce a massive awareness campaign circulating heat wave warnings and information posters in bus stands and other public places to warn people of the signs of sunstrokes. A meeting of prominent business groups will follow to ensure enforcement."