Intense heatwave claims at least 111 lives, India
Image credit: Ankur P.
At least 111 people died of heatstroke over the past 42 days in Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (45) and Telangana (66).
Temperatures ranged from 43 – 46 °C (109.4 – 114.8 °F) in more than 360 measuring stations across Andhra Pradesh. The hottest was Tadepalli Gudem in West Godavari with 47 °C (116.6 °F).
"There is a heat wave condition going on in Andhra Pradesh especially in state's central parts. It mainly includes districts of Guntur, Krishna, Prakasam and Nellore. For the next two to three days, the severity will be high in Krishna, Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam," Anantha Krishnan, an RTGS official said.
According to the Telangana Disaster Management Department, over 66 people died of heatstroke in the past 42 days and 16 in just 24 hours on May 9 and 10. These are official (confirmed) deaths, but local media estimate the number is much higher.
According to Revenue authorities, over 1 600 people were hospitalized.
The health department is advising the population to stay out of the sun from 11:00 to 16:00 and to drink sufficient water.
Government health centers have been advised to distribute ORS packets for free.
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