Deadly heatwave in India’s Andhra Pradesh claims 21 lives

At least 21 people have died from heatstroke in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh amid an intense heatwave.

The highest number of fatalities was reported in the city of Vijayawada, where 10 people died, according to ETV Bharat.

Several of the victims were homeless, while some bodies have yet to be identified. In multiple cases, individuals were found unconscious on the streets and taken to hospitals, where doctors later confirmed their deaths. 

In one incident in the Sitarampuram area, a man was discovered unconscious by locals and rushed for treatment, but could not be saved. Similar cases were reported across various districts of the city and surrounding region.

Deaths linked to heatstroke were also recorded in Eluru, West Godavari, Kakinada, and other districts. The victims included both elderly residents and younger individuals, including a contract worker and migrant laborers.

In several instances, bodies were found in public areas such as parks, markets, and transport hubs.

Authorities are continuing efforts to identify some of the victims and investigate the circumstances of the deaths, noting that most were exposed to extreme heat outdoors.

By Jeyhun Aghazada