Kerala records high UV index; public advisory issued
UV index hits 8 at Kottarakkara, Konni, Chengannur, Changanassery and Munnar
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Sunday issued a public caution advisory after high ultraviolet (UV) index levels were recorded in the state over the past 24 hours.
According to data shared by KSDMA on Sunday, UV index levels above 8, denoting an orange alert, were reported at Kottarakkara in Kollam district, Konni in Pathanamthitta district, Chengannur in Alappuzha district, Changanassery in Kottayam district and Munnar in Idukki district.
Similarly, a yellow alert, corresponding to a UV index of 6-7, was reported at Kalamassery in Ernakulam district, Thrithala in Palakkad district, Ponnani in Malappuram district and Mananthavady in Wayanad district.
The KSDMA said prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays may cause sunburn, skin diseases, eye ailments and other health issues.
“High UV index levels are generally recorded between 10 am and 3 pm, and people have been advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long durations during this period,” the authority said.
Those engaged in outdoor work, fishermen involved in marine and inland fishing, water transport workers, bike riders, tourists, persons with skin diseases, those with albinism, people with eye ailments, cancer patients and individuals with weakened immunity have been asked to exercise special caution, it said.
KSDMA advised the public to use hats, umbrellas and sunglasses while going outdoors during the daytime and to wear cotton clothing that fully covers the body.
People have also been urged to take rest in shaded areas during breaks while travelling or engaging in outdoor activities.
The advisory noted that UV index levels are generally higher in high-altitude and tropical regions, and that clear skies without clouds can also result in elevated UV exposure.
It further said that areas near water bodies and sandy surfaces may experience higher UV intensity due to reflection of ultraviolet rays.
Real-time UV index data from 14 monitoring stations set up by KSDMA is available online, the authority added.
