HYDERABAD:The unrelenting heat wave continued to claim lives in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Wednesday. So far, a shocking 1,027 people died in AP and 340 in Telangana, taking the total count to 1,367.
As predicted by the Meteorological Department, thunderstorms and mild showers were reported at isolated places in Telangana. But that was not of much help. The Telangana Disaster Management Department officials confirmed 74 deaths on Wednesday, but refused to clarify if they occurred in the last 24 hours.
“The figure we received from the ground as of now is 340 deaths in Telangana. However, the increase in number is because some of them were not reported earlier. It does not mean the deaths took place on Wednesday,” said B R Meena, Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department.
His counterpart in Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, confirmed the toll had increased from 852 to 1,027 in the state in the last 24 hours. “The overall number of deaths due to heat wave is 1,027 as of 8.30 pm, Wednesday. We have not yet received figures from Prakasam and West Godavari. So, it could be even higher. We have sent a report to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary,” said a senior official.