Weather and health experts on Friday emphasised the need to study the impacts of climate change and heat-related weather events on aspects such as mental health and behavioural changes. They also called for proper classification of heat wave and the development of composite, sector-wise indices.
The suggestions came at a workshop on Extreme heat and impact on Kerala organised jointly by Kerala Union of Working Journalists, the India Meteorological department and Asar Social Impact Advisors.
M.S. Manu, nodal officer, National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health, said 1,441 people had sought medical care for heat-related illnesses in 2024. This included 1,168 cases of heat rash, 180 cases of sunburn, 53 cases of heat exhaustion and eight suspected cases of heat stroke. Palakkad district reported the highest number of cases at 530, followed by Kottayam and Ernakulam, both of which reported over 200 cases.
