Telangana Heatwave: 16 Dead in One Day, State Issues Alert

At least 16 people reportedly died on Friday alone from heat-related causes across seven districts of Telangana, which is reeling under an intense heatwave. The state govt has issued a statewide alert even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over the next three days. According to disaster management officials, four deaths were recorded in Jayashankar Bhupalpally, three each in Hanumakonda, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad, and one each in Jogulamba Gadwal, Rangareddy and Suryapet districts. "With severe heatwave conditions persisting, we have intensified public health advisories and placed district administrations and disaster management teams on high alert," a department official said. "Most of the reported heatwave-related deaths are not due to heatstroke alone, but are associated with pre-existing co-morbidities like diabetes and others, particularly among elderly people. However, the impact gets exacerbated when people step outdoors without adequate precautions. We are distributing ORS packets and creating awareness among the public. People must strictly follow heatwave advisories, stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure during peak afternoon hours, and take preventive measures seriously," said Dr K Venkat Ramanna, district medical and health officer (DMHO), Jogulamba Gadwal. Following the directions of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy announced on Saturday that an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh would be released immediately for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the IMD on Saturday issued an orange alert for multiple districts from May 23 to May 27, warning that temperatures are likely to remain above 44 degrees Celsius in several parts of the state. Hyderabad and adjoining districts are also expected to record temperatures between 41 and 44 degrees Celsius. "Special caution is advised for elderly persons, children, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks and avoid working during peak afternoon hours," said Dr J Venkati, DMHO, Hyderabad.