VISAKHAPATNAM: Intense heat wave conditions which have been prevailing for the past one week with temperatures hovering around 40 to 45 degrees Celsius, have completely derailed normal life, making life extremely difficult for the people and animals alike. An alarming 188 deaths have been reported in the five districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, East and West Godavari till Sunday. All the district administrations are yet to take measures as sunstroke deaths are being reported at a startling rate.
Not only roads, even temples wore a deserted look as never before in all the districts Sunday. The public has been warned not to venture out of their houses between 10 am and 4 pm to ensure that they stay clear off the peak hours, while RDOs and tahsildars of all the districts have been ordered to give wide publicity on safety precautions through public address systems and announcements in temples and mosques.
The officials also ordered making medical facility available round-the-clock. Setting up of water kiosks at all major junctions is another priority. Meanwhile, NREGS workers have been asked not to take up any work between 10 am to 4 pm. The DEOs will ensure that schools/colleges are closed until further instructions. This led to the city wearing a deseterd look Sunday.
