2 dead in North-West region, Hissar records 47.2 degrees C

Chandigarh, May 13 (UNI) Heat wave, currently sweeping parts of North-West region, intensified today, claiming lives of two people, one of them in Hissar where the mercury soared to 47.2 degrees celsius, the highest temperature recorded in the town this summer so far.

The mercury kept its upward movement at most places in the region which reeled under scorching heat wave conditions. Power cuts and shortage of water have added to the woes of the people.

An unidentified old saint was found dead due to excessive heat near the General Bus Stand on the national highway in Phagwara town of Punjab this afternoon. He was immediately rushed to the civil hospital where he was declared brought dead, a report from Phagwara said.

A 40-yearold person succumbed to blistering heat at industrial area in Hissar which turned out to be the hottest place in Haryana.

The heat wave forced people to stay indoors at Hissar as the blazing sun raged in its fury. Vehicular traffic was less on the roads in the town.

Hissar reeled under the impact of intense heat for the past fortnight with the mercury hovering 45 degrees to 46 degrees C.

With today's casualties, the toll in the current heat wave and the recent squall in the region rose to 19 so far.

Elsewhere in Haryana, heat wave conditions x x x Eds: here pick up from para six of DR 53 weather-northwest.

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