Man dies of dehydration in Palakkad

Palakkad: A 38-year-old man died of suspected dehydration as intense summer heat continues to grip Palakkad. The deceased has been identified as Pratheesh, a native of Yakkara. According to the postmortem examination report, the death was caused by severe dehydration resulting from extreme heat conditions. Officials said samples have been sent to a pathology laboratory in Kakkanad in Ernakulam for further scientific examination to confirm the exact cause of death. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Pratheesh collapsed on the way to a nearby river in Yakkara for a bath. Preliminary findings indicate that dehydration due to excessive heat led to his death. With temperatures hovering close to 40°C in the district, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for four days. The district collector had earlier warned people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 11am and 3pm. Authorities have also cautioned that temperatures are likely to rise above 40°C in the district till April 18, urging residents to take necessary precautions.