The unusually summer heat in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has
started by a huge toll on its residents. At least 111 people have died due
to sun-stroke in the last few days as the two states are experiencing
intense heat wave conditions. As many as 66 people died in Telangana and 45 succumbed in Andhra Pradesh. Most of the deaths were reported during the last
one week. As per the Telangana's disaster management department, Mahabubnagar
district accounted for highest number of deaths of 28, while 11 people died in
Medak district. Heat wave conditions claimed seven lives in Nizamabad, five each in Khammam and Karimnagar, four each in Adilabad and Warangal and two in Nalgonda. However, no deaths have been reported from Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy district.
According to the Met department, there was appreciable rise in maximum
temperatures at one or two places in Telangana on Thursday. The highest maximum
temperature of 41 degree Celsius was recorded in Nalgonda, Khammam, Hanamakonda, Ramagundam and Mahabubnagar. In Andhra Pradesh, 45 people died of sunstroke during the last one week.
Deputy Chief Minister N Chinna Rajappa said that 16 of the deaths were reported
from Kadapa district while Prakasam accounted for 11 deaths. Four died in Anantapur, three each in Vijayanagaram, Chittoor and
Kurnool, two each in Srikakulam and Krishna districts and one in West Godavari
district. He said the government would extend all possible help to the families of
the heat wave victims. He said hospitals across the state had been alerted to be prepared to
tackle the situation. People have been advised to avoid venturing out of their houses
during day times, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.
According to the Met department, the temperature was above normal at
many places over Rayalaseema and appreciably above normal at one or two places
over coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 42 degree
Celsius was recorded at Anantapur and Nandyal. Disaster Management Commissioner Dhanunjaya Reddy on Thursday briefed CM Chandrababu of the situation and the steps taken to
brace the heat wave. He said the district administration along with the medical and health
department has undertaken a massive awareness campaign and makeshift medical
camps. Oral rehydration salts and intravenous fluids have been made available
at public places. Construction workers and labourers have been instructed not
to work between 12 pm to 3 pm. Officials said all precautionary measures are being taken in view of the
forecast that the summer will be warmer. The heat wave had claimed nearly 2,000 lives in the two states last
year.
