Heatwave kills 87 in Andhra Pradesh

Of the total case, 27 were reported during the past 24 hours across the state, predominantly from North coastal districts - Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Vissakhapatnam and East Godavari, Additional Commissioner Disaster management M Jagannadham said.

"So far, 87 deaths have been reported due to heat wave in 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh since April this year. We have received reports that the heat wave may continue for next three days," Mr Jagannadham told PTI.

Tuni in East Godavari district was hottest in the state today with maximum temperature recorded at 45 degrees Celsius, nine degrees above normal.

Educational institutions in some parts of the state have been asked to remain shut for some more days, owing to intense hot weather conditions.

The officials of Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam said, temperatures in the region is recorded above the normal levels, following a cyclonic storm in Arabian Sea.

"Slowly the cyclone will weaken in next couple of days and only then monsoon will strengthen. Delayed monsoon is also one of the reasons for rise in temperatures," officials said.