15 more die of heat wave in Telangana, toll rises to 137

Heat wave claimed 15 more lives in Telangana on Thursday, taking the toll to 137 this season, officials said.

The deaths were reported from various parts of the state during last 24 hours.

Heat wave conditions continued in the state, though there was fall in maximum temperature at few places.

Hanamkonda was the hottest place in the state on Thursday with maximum temperature of 44.1 degrees Celsius, while Nalgonda recorded 43.8 and Bhadrachalam and Ramagundam 43.6 degrees.

The maximum temperature in Hyderabad was 41.9 degrees. In all other towns, it was above 42 degrees.

According to Hyderabad Meteorological Centre, the maximum temperature may rise again after three to four days. The heat wave conditions may continue till the onset of monsoon.

Meanwhile, the officials in disaster management department said the death toll had gone up to 137. Medak accounted for highest number of deaths (34), followed by Mahabubnagar (30) and Nalgonda (26).

Ten people died in Ranga Reddy district, nine in Adilabad, eight in Nizamabad and seven in Khammam district. No deaths have been reported so far from Warangal and Hyderabad.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has called a meeting of district collectors in Hyderabad on Friday to review the drought situation. The meeting will also discuss the situation created by the heat wave.

Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir has demanded the government to declare drought emergency in view of the aserious' situation prevailing in the state.

--IANS

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