Telangana: 16 dead due to heatstroke; govt announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia
Hyderabad, May 24
Telangana Government has announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia each to the families of the deceased who lost their lives due to heatstroke.
Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy held an emergency review meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat on Saturday to address deteriorating heat wave conditions, which have claimed several lives across seven districts.
With temperatures soaring abnormally and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of intensified heat wave conditions over the next three days, district collectors have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure immediate implementation of relief measures.
There have been 16 heatstroke fatalities, including four in Jayashankar Bhupalpally, three each in Warangal Urban, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad, and one each in Jogulamba Gadwal, Rangareddy, and Suryapet.
To combat the crisis, officials have been strictly instructed to ensure the availability of cold drinking water at public places, facilitate the distribution of ORS packets and buttermilk, and maintain the absolute readiness of emergency medical services. Furthermore, authorities have been mandated to broadcast hourly public awareness alerts through mainstream media and social platforms.
Amid the escalating risk, special precautions have been advised for vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The general public has been strongly urged to avoid stepping out between 11 AM and 4 PM unless absolutely necessary.
Taking note of environmental distress, the Minister also called for dedicated drinking water arrangements for birds and animals across both villages and towns.
Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a severe heat wave warning continuing until May 26 for several districts, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mulugu, and Mahabubnagar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to read this. The ex-gratia announcement is necessary but it feels like a band-aid on a deeper wound. I've lived in both India and the US, and the difference in heat preparedness is huge. In Hyderabad, we see concrete jungles replacing green cover every year. The IMD warning is clear, but how many of these districts actually have cooling centres or proper public health campaigns? I'm glad they mentioned buttermilk and ORS, but we need mass awareness drives, not just hourly alerts. Also, making drinking water for birds and animals a priority is thoughtful—climate change affects all beings.
I sympathize with the families who lost their loved ones. But honestly, this seems like a knee-jerk reaction every time tragedy strikes. The government should have been proactive weeks ago when temperatures started rising. Why wait for 16 deaths to hold an emergency meeting? Our farmers and construction workers are the most vulnerable—they work under the scorching sun for survival. At least the minister mentioned vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. I just hope this time the directives are actually followed on the ground. The heat wave period is not just three days; it's becoming the new normal every summer. We need a permanent heat action plan, not just relief cheques.
My heart goes out to the families in Jayashankar Bhupalpally and other districts. The ex-gratia announcement is a step, but as someone who has worked in disaster management in Australia, I can say we need a cultural shift. In many Indian cities, even basic infrastructure like public water coolers or misting fans is absent. The idea of hourly alerts through media is good, but what about remote villages with limited access? Also, ensuring water for birds and animals shows a holistic approach—appreciate that. But the real test is implementation. Let's hope the district collectors act swiftly and transparently.
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