Heatwave toll hits 2,000

New Delhi, May 29

The nationwide death toll today rose to 2005 as the intense heat wave continued to sweep many parts of the country, with Palamau in Jharkhand recording the highest temperature of 47 °C.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which bore the brunt of the scorching sun, together accounted for 1979 deaths. The two states saw the death of 205 people since yesterday — 156 in Andhra Pradesh and 49 in Telangana.

In Odisha, the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office received reports of 108 deaths allegedly due to sun stroke but it confirmed only 17 deaths related to heat and said 70 other cases were under investigation. Gujarat has reported 7 deaths and Delhi two deaths due to heat.

Heat wave conditions also continued in many other states, including Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Palamau in Jharkhand was the hottest place, recording 47 °C. Bhawanipatna in Odisha saw the temperature of 45.5 °C, while Kota in Rajasthan saw the heat of 44.6 °C followed by 43.9 °C in capital Jaipur. Delhi recorded 42 °C, while Punjab and Haryana also saw temperature in the range of 40-44 °C at most places.

Andhra Pradesh, the worst hit state, reported 1,490 deaths, 156 up since yesterday. Telangana, the second most affected state, saw the toll rising to 489 today from 440 yesterday. In the state, Nalgonda district has witnessed the maximum of 126 deaths, followed by Karimnagar (95), Khammam (92), Mahabubnagar (37), besides 35 each in Medak and Ranga Reddy districts. — PTI