Searing heat wave kills 23 across UP

Lucknow, June 9 (UNI) The searing heat wave showed no signs of abating in Uttar Pradesh, claiming 23 lives due to heat stroke in the last 24 hrs.

According to reports, five persons each died in Varanasi, Mahoba and Noida. Besides, two persons died in Hardoi, while one each succumbed in Lucknow, Unnao, Banda, Mahoba, Jaunpur and Jhansi districts.

Besides, three people died and 100 others taken ill since yesterday due to the spread of contagious diseases, brought about by heat wave and drinking water shortage in Mainpuri district.

In Aligarh, diarrhoea claimed three lives and 60 others are reported infected with the killer disease.

A report from Allahabad said the heat wave has killed over 50 peacocks, India's national bird, in the neighbouring Kaushambi district.

The rising mercury in the past couple of weeks has left people sufferring. Roads remain deserted in afternoons with people reluctant to come out in the heat. The problem has been compounded by heavy load shedding and water crises.

The life of people in Amethi and Kanpur has become tough due to massive power cuts for 18 and 8 hrs respectively.

Handpumps and tubewells have gone dry, following ebbing ground water level, which is now posing threat to standing cash crops like sugarcane.

According to health experts, people need to change their dietary by including cool milk, 'lassi', 'aam pana' as well as mango, water melons and other seasonal fruits to 'beat the heat'.

People are also advised to eat less and increase intake of fluids to brave the scorching sun.

Mercury has soared two to four degrees Celsius above normal in Varanasi, Lucknow, Banda, Mahoba, Jaunpur, Allahabad and Kanpur divisions.

Agra was the hottest at 45.5 degrees Celsius, while Lucknow sweltered at 44 degrees Celsius. The weather mainly remained dry at other places.

Meanwhile, the weatherman has forecast rain/thundershowers in the next 24 hrs, which might give respite to the masses.

UNI