Deserted roads due to heat wave in Telangana
At least 15 people have died this month in Telangana, where a heat wave has seen the temperature soaring to over 46 degrees. In the past 30 days, 21 people were believed to have lost their lives because of oppressive heat.
The heat is taking a toll on wildlife too, with 12 peacocks dying in Medak district. The birds were found dead in Ramyayampet Reserve forest, confirmed the collector of Medak district.
In an advisory, the state government has warned people of a heat wave and advised children and elderly people to stay indoors during afternoons. Even construction labourers have been asked to stay off work during peak summer hours under rural jobs scheme.
In areas like Nizamabad, Warangal and Karimnagar, the temperature was around three to six degrees above normal on Wednesday. In Ramagundem and Nalgonda, the mercury touched 45 degrees.
Dry winds have contributed to the rise in day temperature. "Heat wave conditions will continue till May 23," said YK Reddy, Director In-charge at Hyderabad Meterological Centre.
The worst hit in the heat wave are daily wage earners and people living on the streets. Parks remain empty as children prefer indoor games to Cricket in the simmering heat.
The streets of Hyderabad were mostly deserted today while cold drink, fruit juice and sugarcane juice shop owners did brisk business.