Punjab reeling under severe heat wave conditions

Residents of Punjab are adopting various measures to protect themselves from the heat wave as the temperatures hover around 45 degree Celsius in the state.

In Ludhiana, people covered their faces while travelling in the sun, took refuge under the shade and gulped down water and other coolants to protect themselves from sunburn and dehydration.

"Since two to three days the temperature has increased. It has risen to over 40-42 degrees and every 15 minutes we have to drink water. Every 15-20 minutes we have to consume water," said a resident, Navraj Singh.

Another resident, Hiraj Sharma, said that the soaring temperature was making it difficult to commute.

"Temperature has soared up in our city. The temperature has risen above 46 degrees and has made it difficult to go out," said Sharma, adding, "since I have field work I have to use two- wheeler. The only substitute is stopping near any soda or cold drink shop and stop wherever we find water available."

Although parts of the south received rainfall last week, majority of north India continues to reel under severe heat.