DHAKA: At least 800 people have died in a major heatwave that has swept across India, melting roads in New Delhi as temperatures neared 50 deg C.

Hospitals were on alert to treat victims of heatstroke and the authorities advised people to stay indoors with no end in sight to the searing conditions.

In the worst-hit state of Andhra Pradesh, in the south, 551 people have died in the last week as temperatures hit 47 deg C on Monday.

‘The state government has taken up education programs through television and other media to tell people not to venture into the outside without a cap, to drink water and other measures,’ said P Tulsi Rani, special commissioner for disaster management in the state.

‘We have also requested NGOs and government organizations to open up drinking water camps so that water will be readily available for all the people in the towns.’

Large parts of India, including the capital New Delhi, have endured days of sweltering heat, prompting fears of power cuts as energy-guzzling air conditioners work overtime, reports The Straits Times.

** India heatwave death toll rises to 750

BDST: 1528 HRS, MAY 26, 2015
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