At least 16 people have died due to suspected heatstroke in seven districts in Telangana this summer so far, while no deaths have been reported in neighboring Andhra Pradesh despite 319 cases of heatstroke being reported in that state, officials familiar with the matter said on Saturday.
In a review meeting held by state Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Saturday, officials informed him of the deaths in the seven districts.
Also Read: Heatwave likely to continue over central India till end of month: IMD
“Jayashankar Bhopalpally district reported four deaths, while Warangal Urban, Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts recorded three deaths each. One death was reported in Gogulamba Gadwal, Rangareddy and Suryapet districts,” an official statement from the minister’s office said.
But an official, who requested anonymity, said that unconfirmed reports from different regions indicated that 34 people had died due to heatstroke as of Friday. The official added, “But the region’s authorities did not confirm whether the deaths were specifically caused by heatstroke.” The official statement said that the state government announced it as an ex-gratia $4 thousand pounds for each family of the deceased. The Revenue Minister directed officials to expedite the compensation process without delay.
Read also: Extreme heat and warm, restless nights: What is driving the intense heat wave in India
Reddy said temperatures in the state have reached alarming levels due to the impact of the intense El Niño phenomenon, which has worsened heatwave conditions. He warned officials against any negligence in preserving public health.
According to the weather bulletin issued by the Telangana State Development Planning Association, several places across 19 districts in the state recorded more than 45 degrees Celsius by 5 pm on Saturday, with Domugudem in Bhadradri Kottagudem district and Dharmapuri in Jagtial district recording a maximum temperature of 46.3 degrees Celsius.
