Heat wave death toll rises to 1719 in AP

The death toll due to the searing heat wave has risen to 1,719 in Andhra Pradesh with 42 deaths reported in the past 24 hours.

The heat wave this year has left many states in the country baking, with temperatures soaring over 46 degrees Celsius in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi too has witnessed a spell of extreme temperatures, leaving people yearning for the monsoon showers.

Earlier this week, doctors' leave was cancelled to help cope with the sick flooding into hospitals and clinics, complaining of headaches, dizziness and fever. Most of the deaths have been of construction workers, homeless people and the elderly.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the monsoon is expected to arrive by June 5 this year, five days later than the usual start date.