Hyderabad: Even before onset of peak summers, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are reeling under intense heat. More than 11 people have died due to sunstroke and other heat related illness in last few days in the two states.
According to officials, 6 people died in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh alone and 5 in various districts of Telangana. The unofficial figure may go higher as officials are still inquiring into many suspected deaths.
The two states are experiencing above normal temperatures since March. In Telangana, temperatures continue to remain above 40 degrees. Highest temperature of 42 degrees was reported in Adilabad and Mahabubnagar. In Andhra Pradesh highest temperature was reported in Kurnool at 42.8 degrees and Anantapur at 41.5 degrees. The Met department has already warned of severe summer this year.
The state government has issued advisories for public on how to keep themselves protected. People have been asked to avoid going out in direct sun i.e between 10am to 4pm, keep drinking water, buttermilk or coconut water to keep themselves hydrated, use cloth to cover their heads when out in direct sun and wear light clothes.
Speaking to CNN News18, Anantapur district medical and health officer Dr Venkatramana said, "We are taking adequate preventive measure. Mostly the effected people are construction and agricultural labours who indulge in field work. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to help people understand sighs of heatstroke like weakness, heat rashes, dizziness, headache, etc and what precautions they must take during peak summers."
In 2015, due to intense heat wave over 1500 deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh and over 500 deaths were reported in Telangana.
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