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As temperatures soar, death toll rises to 1,412

Last updated on: May 27, 2015 22:01 IST

The death toll due to intense heat wave sweeping across many parts of the country continued to mount and reached 1,412 on Wednesday, with only Andhra Pradesh and Telangana accounting for 1,360 deaths. 

As per the latest figures, the toll due to heat wave in Andhra Pradesh stood at 1,020 while it was 340 in Telangana.

A fruit vendor seeks respite from the scorching heat in Hyderabad. Photograph: SnapsIndia

While 168 deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh since Tuesday, 74 deaths were reported since Tuesday.

Two persons apparently died due to intense heat wave in the national capital as the day temperature soared past 45 degree celsius in the last couple of days.

The heat wave is likely continue for another two days in Telangana and three days in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, said Y K Reddy, Director of Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad. He said the deaths could be taking place due to exposure to heat for long durations.

MUST READ: Why India is getting hotter by the year

Women cover themselves with scarves to protect themselves from the sweltering heat. Photograph: SnapsIndia

The plains of Uttar Pradesh continued to reel under scorching heat with mercury in Agra on Wednesday crossing the 46 degree mark, making it the hottest place in the state.

The heat wave conditions continued to sweep Haryana and Punjab as well, with maximum temperatures again hovering between 41-45 degree Celsius at most places.

In Andhra Pradesh, Prakasam district recorded the highest number of deaths at 202. Guntur district saw death of 130 people followed by Visakhapatnam at 112,  Vizianagaram at 78 and Nellore at 74. The government had issued an alert to doctors to be ready to provide medical assistance to the heat wave-affected people, he said.

In Telangana, Nalgonda recorded the maximum number of deaths at 99, followed by Khammam 72, Karimnagar 45 and Mahabubnagar 37, a senior official of the state disaster management department said.

Meanwhile, 43 deaths due to heat wave are reported from Odisha while seven have died in Gujarat.

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