Heat wave toll crosses 500 in Andhra, Telangana

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continue to reel under intense heat wave, which claimed 85 more lives on Monday, taking the toll to 517 in six days.

There was no let-up in severe heat wave conditions in the two Telugu states as the mercury remained three to six degrees above the average temperatures.

While 45 more deaths were reported from Andhra Pradesh, 40 people lost their lives in Telangana on Monday.

The officials in the two states had confirmed 432 deaths till Sunday. While Andhra Pradesh accounted for 246 deaths, 186 people died in Telangana.

As many as 102 people died in the two states in a single day on Sunday.

Unofficial sources, however, put the toll at 1,000 during last six days.

According to Hyderabad Meteorological Centre, Hanamkonda in Telangana on Monday recorded highest temperature of 46 degree Celsius. Ramagundem sizzled at 45 degrees.

Most of the towns in Telangana including capital Hyderabad recorded maximum temperature of 42.

The met centre has warned that the heat wave conditions may continue for next couple of days.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh too continued to sizzle. Kakinada, Machilipatnam and Tuni recorded highest temperature of 47 degrees.

South coastal districts of Krishna, Prakasham, Guntur and Nellore bore the brunt. They account for the maximum deaths.

The meteorologists have attributed the heat wave to the dry winds blowing from north-westerly direction.

Old-aged, children, labourers, rickshaw pullers, beggars and people living in streets were the worst affected by the heat wave.

The heat wave has hit the normal life in all 10 districts of Telangana and in south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh for last one week.

The towns in Telangana and coastal Andhra wore a near deserted look as people are remaining indoors to escape the scorching sun. In Hyderabad, thin traffic was seen on usually busy roads.

Health officials advised people to take all precautions to protect themselves from sun stroke. People have been asked to remain indoors and, if necessary, venture out only with the required protection. People have also been advised to take plenty of liquids.