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Officials reported on Sunday that at least 16 people have died from heatstroke in Telangana this summer, as a heatwave drives temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of India.
Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, Telangana's Revenue Minister, has urged people across the state to remain vigilant following the recent deaths.
His office released a statement saying "the intensity of the heat has reached unprecedented levels" and told local officials to warn the public about heat wave precautions in advance.
Health experts warn that extreme heat can cause dehydration, which thickens the blood and, in severe cases, can lead to organ failure.
Local authorities in Telangana have advised elderly people, children, and pregnant women to stay indoors during the day unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
Earlier this week, the India Meteorological Department predicted higher-than-normal temperatures and intense heatwave conditions in several regions.
In New Delhi and nearby cities, temperatures remained above 40 degrees Celsius all week, driving power demand to record highs. Warm nights have also given residents little break from the heat.
India often experiences extreme summer heat, but research shows that climate change is making heat waves longer, more frequent, and more intense.
With a population of 1.4 billion, India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases and depends heavily on coal for electricity.
India aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2070, which is 20 years later than most Western countries.
The highest temperature ever officially recorded in India was 51 degrees Celsius in Phalodi, Rajasthan, in 2016.
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