NEW DELHI: At least 16 people have died from heatstroke in southern India as extreme temperatures continue to grip large parts of the country, authorities said on Sunday.
The deaths were reported in the southern state of Telangana, where officials warned that the ongoing heatwave had reached “unprecedented levels” and posed serious risks to public health.
Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy called for statewide vigilance and urged authorities to issue advance warnings and precautionary advisories to residents during periods of extreme heat.
Temperatures in several Indian cities have recently climbed above 45 degrees Celsius, while the capital New Delhi and nearby regions have recorded temperatures exceeding 40°C throughout the week.
Severe heatwave conditions
Health experts warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, heatstroke and severe medical complications, including organ failure in critical cases.
The Telangana government advised elderly people, children and pregnant women to avoid going outdoors during daytime hours unless absolutely necessary.
The India Meteorological Department earlier forecast above-normal temperatures and severe heatwave conditions across multiple parts of the country.
Soaring temperatures
The soaring temperatures have also pushed electricity consumption to record levels as millions rely heavily on cooling systems amid persistent heat during both daytime and nighttime hours.
Scientists have repeatedly linked rising heatwave intensity and frequency to climate change, warning that South Asia is becoming increasingly vulnerable to prolonged periods of extreme weather.
India, home to more than 1.4 billion people, remains heavily dependent on coal for electricity generation and is currently the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
The country has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
India’s highest officially recorded temperature remains 51°C, measured in Rajasthan’s Phalodi region in 2016.
