Intense heat claims 84 lives in Andhra Pradesh since April

As many as 84 people have died in Andhra Pradesh since April 1 due to the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in the state, a senior official said today.

The highest number of deaths (43) have been reported from Karimnagar district followed by Medak (12), West Godavari (11), Chittoor (6), Vizianagaram (4) and Nalgonda (3), Nizamabad (3), East Godavari (1) and Visakhapatnam (1), the State Disaster Management Commissioner said here.

However, media reports from different districts said scores of people have died during the last few days alone due to the searing heat conditions.

According to Met office, the highest temperature of 47.3 degrees Celsius was recorded today at Rentachintala in Guntur district of coastal Andhra.

High temperatures were also reported at Bapatla (47), Gannavaram (47), Kakinada (46), Nandigama (45.5), Ongole (45), and Nizamabad (44).

The Andhra Pradesh capital, too, boiled at a good 42.4 degrees Celsius.

The heatwave conditions would continue to prevail in several districts of the state, the Met department warned.

Families below the poverty line are eligible for assistance of Rs 50,000 under the 'Apathbandhu' scheme, which among various accident cases, also covers death by sunstroke, the official said.

The Disaster Management Department had earlier issued a list of 'dos' and 'don'ts' to public for protection from sunstroke.

Roads wore a deserted look during daytime as most people preferred to stay indoors to escape heat. A sharp rise in sale of coconuts, fruits and fruit juices, buttermilk, water bottles and cold drinks has been recorded in the State.

Charitable organisations in Hyderabad and elsewhere have made arrangements to supply drinking water and buttermilk to the poor and needy.