Continuing power outages in Keralam throw people’s lives into disarray

For the tenth consecutive day, Kerala continues to grapple with intermittent power outages, exacerbating the already severe power crisis. The daily routine of residents has been thrown into upheaval, with power load shedding scheduled between 6:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. The disruption has been particularly challenging for students, who find their study schedules thrown into disarray.

H. Vishnu, a Class X student at St. Mary’s High School, expressed that even a half-hour break disrupts studying, while Seema Nair, a homemaker, has to make extra efforts to keep her children comfortable during nighttime power disruptions.

The elderly and those with health issues are among the most vulnerable, as they struggle to manage navigating their homes and public spaces during the outages. George Mathews, a 68-year-old retired government servant from Pattoor, recounted having to climb the stairs of his five-story flat after the building's lift stopped working during a power cut.

Concerns have been raised over the safety of people, with particular attention to women's safety during nighttime due to inadequate street lighting. Emily Joy, a resident of the city, noted that the extended power cuts provide opportunities for nefarious elements in public spaces.

The migrant and floating community has also been significantly affected, as many rely on induction stoves for cooking due to an LPG crisis and lack of gas connections. The power cuts have disrupted their cooking schedules, making it difficult to prepare food at night or requiring them to cook in advance. Ahammed Rafiq, a migrant worker from West Bengal, explained that people using induction stoves now face challenges in preparing food during power cuts or have to plan ahead.