Parts of Karnataka reeling under severe heat wave

Bangalore, Apr 30 (UNI) Several parts of Karnataka are reeling under severe heat wave with mercury touching 42 degrees Celsius in some northern districts.

The worst affected regions were in North Karnataka including Gulbarga, Raichur, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Koppal and Bellary Districts.

The heat wave adds to woes of the people who are already reeling under severe drought condition following failure of pre-monsoon rainfall and acute drinking water shortage.

Authorities were supplying drinking water through tankers.

In North Karnataka, the office hours has been changed for the benefit of the state government employees. They now function from 0830 hrs to 1330 hrs.

Streets wore deserted look during day time in these places as people were afraid to venture out due to scorching heat. Adding to people's heat woes was unscheduled power cut especially in rural areas due to shortage of power supply.

Meteorological Department sources told UNI that the present condition may continue for few more days.

UNI