Telangana Reports 16 Suspected Heat Stroke Deaths Amid Extreme Heat, ₹4 Lakh Relief Announced

At least 16 people have died due to suspected heat stroke across seven districts in Telangana this summer, even as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh reported 319 cases of sunstroke but no fatalities so far, officials said on Saturday. The deaths come amid an intense heatwave sweeping across large parts of the region, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several districts.

A review meeting chaired by Telangana revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Saturday was informed about the fatalities reported from different districts across the state. Officials said authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely as temperatures remain dangerously high.

Deaths Reported Across Seven Districts

According to an official statement issued from the minister's office, Jayashankar Bhupalpally district recorded the highest number of deaths with four fatalities linked to suspected heat stroke. Warangal Urban, Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts reported three deaths each.

The statement further said that one death each was reported from Jogulamba Gadwal, Rangareddy and Suryapet districts.

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said unverified reports from across Telangana suggested the actual toll could be significantly higher. "However, the district authorities have not confirmed whether the deaths were precisely due to heatstroke," the official said.

Government Announces ₹4 Lakh Ex Gratia

The Telangana government has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the families of those who died due to suspected heat stroke. During the review meeting, the revenue minister directed officials to ensure that compensation reaches the affected families without delay.

Reddy also warned officials against negligence in handling the crisis and stressed the need for stronger measures to protect people from the severe weather conditions.

El Nino Impact Behind Severe Heatwave

The minister said the state was witnessing unusually high temperatures due to the impact of El Nino, which has intensified heatwave conditions across Telangana this summer.

"Temperatures in the state had reached alarming levels due to the severe El Nino impact, leading to intensified heatwave conditions," he said while reviewing the situation with officials.

The India Meteorological Department has already warned that heatwave conditions are likely to persist across several parts of central and southern India over the coming days.

Temperatures Cross 45°C In Several Districts

According to a weather bulletin issued by the Telangana State Development Planning Society, multiple locations across 19 districts recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius by 5 pm on Saturday.

Dummugudem in Bhadradri Kothagudem district and Dharmapuri in Jagtial district registered the highest temperature in the state at 46.3 degrees Celsius, the bulletin said.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh authorities reported 319 cases of sunstroke this season but confirmed that no deaths had been recorded in the state so far.