Telangana Announces Relief Package as Heat Wave Deaths Climb to 16

Telangana is grappling with a mounting crisis as heat wave-related fatalities have reached 16 across seven districts in the state. The situation prompted Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy to convene an urgent review meeting with top officials at the Secretariat on Saturday.

Jayashankar Bhupalpally district has been the hardest hit, reporting four deaths from heat stroke. Warangal Urban, Karimnagar, and Nizamabad have each recorded three fatalities, while Jogulamba Gadwal, Rangareddy, and Suryapet have reported one death each.

In response to the escalating crisis, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's administration has approved a financial assistance package of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family. The minister attributed the severe conditions to El Niño effects, which have driven temperatures sharply higher across the region, and cautioned officials against complacency.

The government has initiated a comprehensive emergency response strategy. District collectors have been instructed to pinpoint areas experiencing extreme temperatures and issue timely alerts to residents. Communication campaigns will leverage media platforms, social networks, and grassroots announcements to keep citizens informed on an hourly basis.

Infrastructure for public welfare is being mobilized across transportation hubs, commercial centers, highways, and labor sites. Authorities will distribute drinking water, buttermilk, and oral rehydration solution packets to vulnerable populations. The minister specifically urged elderly citizens, women, children, and those with health conditions to remain indoors during peak heat hours between 11 am and 4 pm.

Particular attention is being directed toward protecting those working outdoors—agricultural laborers, construction workers, and road maintenance personnel—who face prolonged sun exposure. District-level administrators have been asked to maintain personal oversight of conditions and ensure emergency medical teams are positioned and ready.

The government has also called for community measures to protect wildlife, asking local authorities to place water containers and clay pots throughout villages and towns for birds and animals.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that severe heat conditions will persist through May 26 across ten districts: Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahabubnagar, Hyderabad, and Rangareddy.