49 more people die of heatwave in Telangana, toll mounts to 489

HYDERABAD: Forty-nine more people have died due to heatwave conditions in Telangana in last 24 hours, taking the toll to 489 in the state, a senior official said today.

"As per information available till 5 PM today, the toll had risen to 489 (from yesterday's 440)," said a senior official of the state disaster management department here.

Since April 15, Nalgonda district has witnessed 126 deaths, followed by Karimnagar (95), Khammam (92), Mahabubnagar (37), besides 35 each in Medak and Ranga Reddy districts.

The heatwave has also claimed 22 lives in Adilabad, 20 in Warangal, 17 in Nizamabad and 10 in Hyderabad.

According to India Meteorological Department, heatwave conditions prevailed over many parts in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda districts of Telangana.

Yesterday, the highest maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius was recorded at Khammam and Nalgonda.

Meanwhile, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Uttam Kumar Reddy has said AICC chief Sonia Gandhi was deeply concerned about the hundreds of deaths in heatwave in Telangana.

"She (Sonia) has told us to meet the bereaved families and express concern (& console them)," Reddy said.