Thaindian News

Hyderabad, May 14 (IANS) The severe heat wave in Andhra Pradesh Friday claimed 26 lives, taking the toll to 44 in two days, officials said.
Almost the entire state is in the grip of a heat wave with the temperatures hovering five to six degrees Celsius above the normal for this time of the year. Hyderabad and most parts of Telangana region were almost like a furnace.

As many as 26 deaths due to the heat wave were reported Friday from 14 of the 23 districts in the state. The scorching heat Thursday claimed 18 lives.

Ramagundam in Khammam district Friday recorded 49 degrees Celsius the highest this season. Adilabad district also recorded 47 degrees.

In Hyderabad, the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celsius. The Met Office has warned that the temperature in most parts of the state would remain between 45 to 47 degrees Celsius till the monsoon sets in.

The sweltering heat has severely affected normal life in some districts. The streets wore a deserted look as people preferred to remain indoors.

In Hyderabad, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah reviewed the situation with top officials of health and disaster management departments. He expressed anguish at the reported sun stroke cases.

He directed the departments to take all precautions and steps needed to save people from the scorching heat.

Rosaiah asked officials to create awareness among the people to prevent heat strokes by adopting various preventive measures. He also directed district collectors to ensure supply of safe and pure drinking water in all the villages.