Sun stroke claims 150 lives in two Telugu States

Severe heat wave conditions prevailing in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have so far claimed over 150 lives in the past few days. Temperature ranging from 40 to 45 degrees, which is almost 5 degrees more than seasonal average, has affected normal life in almost all 10 districts in Telangana and 13 districts in AP.

Hot weather along with severe dry winds have turned life into a veritable hell in these two states, which are also facing acute shortage of drinking water. In Telangana, the government has pressed water tankers to cater to the needs of 1,650 rural areas particularly in Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda districts. There is also severe shortage of green fodder for the cattle.

In Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema region bore the brunt of heat, while coastal region was comparatively cooler. Anantapur continued to sizzle under 44 degrees Celsius day time temperature, Kurnool and



Nandyal at 43 degrees, Tirupati 42 and Kadapa 41. 

Vijayawada recorded 40 degrees Celsius. In Anantapur, Tarimela and Pamudurti were the hottest with 46 degrees temperature. District revenue officials say that such high temperatures were noted almost after 12 years.

Telangana, Adilabad recorded 45 degrees, Hyderabad 43, Warangal and Karimnagar 40. Coal belt region of Ramagundam was the hottest in Telangana which crossed 45 degrees in the open mining sector. Considering the severity of the heat wave, Telangana government has declared summer holidays for all schools from Saturday and warned private institutions not to violate the orders.

Meanwhile, the cyclone warning centre in Vizag has said that there could be scattered rains in few places in AP and Telangana due to cumulonimbus clouds arising out of hot weather which could bring down temperatures considerably in a day or two.