Kerala: Heatwave, sunburn, sunstroke are state-specific disasters now

KOCHI

: The state government has declared

heatwave

, sunburn and

sunstroke

as

state-specific disasters

and set aside 10% of its disaster response fund to offer compensation to the people affected by these conditions. “In the event of death, family of the deceased would get Rs 4 lakh as aid,” said the state government, in an order issued through state emergency operations centre (SEOC) on Saturday.

“Government is making arrangements to address the needs of people in the wake of the scorching summer heat and unprecedented heatwave till the end of May. Extra precautions are being taken considering the upcoming

Lok Sabha

polls,” said state SEOC lead scientist Sekhar Kuriakose.

“Heatwave is not a usual phenomenon, and it is caused by various factors. Intermittent summer showers can offer some respite,” he said.

Keeping in mind the poll heat, Kerala disaster management authority (KSDMA) has asked the candidates to take precautionary measures during campaigning. Officials have advised the candidates to go for door-to-door campaigning before noon to avoid sunstroke and sunburn. Candidates are also told to carry safe drinking water, oral rehydration kit, wear light clothes, wear cap or hold an umbrella to avoid exposure to direct sunlight between 12 noon to 3pm.

“The SEOC order has set aside 10% of the state disaster response fund and national disaster response fund as revised relief aid to state-specific disasters during the 2015-2020 period. Other state-specific disasters are

lightning

, coastal erosion, strong winds and soil piping,” said KSDMA officials.

Those who have suffered 60% loss of eyesight will get Rs 2 lakh. Those who have partially (below 60%) lost eyesight are eligible for a grant of Rs 59,100. For grievous injuries that require hospitalization for over a week, the relief amount would be Rs 12,700, and for cases that need hospitalization for less than a week, the aid would be Rs 4,300.