The State boiling with unbearable heat for the last three days touched 47.50 Celsius yesterday.  20 deaths due to sunstroke were reported yesterday mostly from Telangana and Coastal areas.  Children and old became prey for the heat waves.  The temperature even went over 500 at coal belts in Khammam District making the open cast mining difficult.

The heat as per the weather forecasts may go up further with no showers in sight.  Meteorological department warned that Telangana and Coastal areas may get more heat waves on Friday and Saturday.  

Rentachintala in Guntur District recorded highest of 47.50.  Bapatla and Gangavaram stood second and third highest yesterday with 46.60 and 45.60 Celsius.

It is suggested by the authorities that proper care and safety measures should be taken if one has to go out in the sun.  Timely taking of water and cool drinks and covering head with umbrella if possible will save one from sunstroke.  Children and elderly people should be taken good care of as the resistance from heat in their bodies will be at lower level.  Apathbandhu Scheme of the Government offered compensation of Rs.50000/- for the bereaved families of those who lost their lives due to heat waves.  

AW-SriJa