Massive India heatwave kills at least 500 so far

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-32872846

At least 500 people are reported to have died in a heatwave sweeping India, with temperatures reaching 48C (118F) in some areas.

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Heatwave conditions have been prevailing in the two worst-affected southern Indian states since mid-April, but most of the deaths have happened in the past week.

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"The majority of the victims are people who have been exposed to the sun directly, usually aged 50 and above and from the working classes," news agency AFP quoted P Tulsi Rani, special commissioner of Andhra Pradesh's disaster management department, as saying.

"We are asking them to take precautions like using an umbrella, using a cap, taking a huge quantity of liquids like water and buttermilk, and wearing cotton clothing," he added.

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The meteorological department said the sweltering conditions were likely to continue for a few more days.

"No relief" is expected in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi and other northern states for the next four days, and the "heatwave will continue," an official said.

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Meteorological officials said the heatwave was due to a lack of rain.

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tags: extreme weather,