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India heat wave: Scores dead in southern state
April 7, 2016, 8:33 am

Most of those who died were laborers and agricultural workers [Xinhua]

Most of those who died were laborers and agricultural workers [Xinhua]

Southern India has borne the brunt of a sudden spell of hot, dry weather. At least 70 people have died due to intense heat wave in the southern Indian state of Telangana in the past few days, a senior government official said Thursday.

“So far, nearly 70 people have died due to heat stroke in the state. The highest number of deaths has been reported from Mahabubnagar district where the death toll is 28,” he said.

Most of those who died were laborers and agricultural workers whose job involved working under the sun, the official added.

Meteorologists say Indian summers have become harsher.  The number of days when temperatures approach 45C has increased in the past 15 years.

The Indian weather department has ruled out any respite from the sweltering heat in the coming days and local government officials have asked people not to venture out in the scorching sun.

Older and poorer people are among the most vulnerable many of whom live in slums or farm huts with no access to air conditioners.

In 2015, more than 1000 people died due to sunstroke in Telangana and the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh.

Temperatures have been higher than normal in parts of Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

May and June are India’s hottest months, with temperatures regularly pushing above 40C.

Source: Agencies