Heat Wave Kills 1100 in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

The searing heat wave in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has killed over 1,100 people so far, with more deaths being reported as vast swathes of the country reeled under the unrelenting summer heat. The heat has claimed the most casualties in Andhra Pradesh, where, since 13 May, 551 people have died. Most of the deaths have taken place over the last four days.

Over 1100 dead due to heat wave in TG & AP:

In Andhra Pradesh,the maximum temperature of 46.8 degrees Celsius was recorded at Jangameswarapuram of Prakasam district. Tuni of East Godavari District recorded 46.3 degrees Celsius while Kakinada recorded 46.1 degrees Celsius. The chief minister of the state also announced an aid of Rs 1 lakh for the families of victims of heat wave.

Guntur district recorded maximum 104 deaths, followed by East Godavari-90, Vizianagaram-84, Visakhapatnam-61 and Prakasam district-57 and in other districts, the death toll varied between 8 and 36.



Other than the casual advice through media to avoid exposure to sunlight between 11 am and 4 pm, to drink water and to avoid dark clothes, the state governments have nothing to offer to mitigate the impact of this disaster. Even the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which acknowledges hailstorms as a natural calamity, doesn’t have any prevention or relief plans except a few “do’s and don’ts” .

What to do during a Heat Wave:

• Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures.


• Drink water and oral hydration drinks


• Rest in shade, take breaks if you must work in the sun


• Place a cool, wet cloth on your head to cool off


• Check on neighbours and elderly family to ensure they are keeping cool


• Wear light and loose clothes


• Use an umbrella or hat or cover head with a cloth

What not to do during a Heat Wave:

• Do not go out in the direct sun


• Avoid extensive physical activity


• Do not send children or pets out in the sun or leave them in closed vehicles.


• Do not consume caffeinated drinks (like aerated drinks) and alcohol during extreme heat


• Avoid wearing dark, heavy or tight clothing


• Avoid cooking during peak heat hours. If you must cook, open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately.

Other states that are facing the wrath of summer include the national capital, where temperature soared to 45 degrees Celsius, whereas Angul in Odisha recorded the maximum temperature of 47 degree Celcius and Chandrapur and Wardha in Maharashtra witnessed 46.6 and 46.5 degrees Celsius, respectively, PTI reports.

The temperature remained around 45 degrees Celcius in Telangana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and other parts of Odisha and Maharashtra.