Hyderabad: Heat stroke deaths in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh increased sharply after 77 people reportedly died in a single day amid severe heatwave conditions and rising temperatures.
Extreme heat continued across the Telugu states on Monday as temperatures touched nearly 45 degrees Celsius in several districts. Strong heatwave conditions also affected daily life and forced many residents to remain indoors during afternoon hours.
According to available reports, Telangana recorded 52 deaths linked to heat stroke and extreme weather conditions. Andhra Pradesh reported another 25 deaths on the same day.
However, officials had not released a consolidated final bulletin on the fatalities at the time of reporting. Authorities were still collecting district-level information related to the deaths.
Unofficial field reports also indicated that nearly 200 to 300 people may have died because of heat stroke across both states during the past week. Officials were yet to verify those figures through formal reports.
The India Meteorological Department warned that temperatures could remain high for the next few days. The weather agency also cautioned that temperatures might rise further in several districts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Heat stroke deaths prompt emergency health warnings
Following the severe weather warning, disaster management authorities in both states issued alerts and advised people to remain cautious during daytime hours.
Health department officials urged elderly people, pregnant women and children to avoid stepping outdoors unless necessary. Officials also warned that heat intensity would remain severe between 11 am and 4 pm.
Doctors advised residents to drink water regularly and consume buttermilk, fruit juices and ORS solutions to prevent dehydration. Medical experts also asked people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods.
Authorities instructed local officials to monitor vulnerable groups, including outdoor workers, daily wage labourers and elderly residents living alone. Emergency medical teams also remained on alert in several districts facing intense heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, many districts continued to report temperatures above normal levels, increasing concerns over additional heat stroke deaths if weather conditions persisted through the week.
Officials said awareness campaigns on hydration, heat protection and emergency medical response would continue across both Telugu states to reduce the impact of the ongoing heatwave.
