Heatwave Claims Four Lives as Temperatures Cross 42°C in Warangal
The extreme heat has also triggered fire incidents in Mahabubabad district
WARANGAL: A severe heatwave has claimed at least four lives as temperatures crossed 42°C across erstwhile Warangal and Karimnagar districts, officials said on Monday.
The Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for several districts, including Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Mahabubabad, warning that conditions are likely to intensify further over the coming week.
Officials said three heatstroke-related deaths were reported in the last 72 hours. In Mattevada village of Mahabubabad district, 60-year-old shepherd Vattam Papayya collapsed while grazing cattle in a forest area and died. In another incident, labourer Yasarapu Yakaiah died while being shifted to hospital after falling ill in Kalleda village. Deaths have also been reported from Hanumakonda and Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts.
The extreme heat has also triggered fire incidents in Mahabubabad district. In Kuravi mandal, a short circuit led to the destruction of four acres of maize crop, causing an estimated loss of ?6 lakh. In Bayyaram mandal, 10 acres of ready-to-harvest maize were gutted in a separate fire, resulting in losses of ?8 lakh.
Weather officials said temperatures are 2–3°C above normal and may touch 44°C by April 22. Authorities have advised people to avoid outdoor movement between 10 am and 4 pm.
Health experts have urged citizens to stay hydrated and take precautions, especially for children and the elderly, amid the continuing heatwave conditions.
