Normal life crippled in Medak district

• Roads in five towns wear a deserted look
• Children & elderly persons falling sick
• Hot weather likely to be severe during Rohini Karthi which begins on May 25
• Day temperatures touch a record high
• 12 died of sunstroke so far

Medak: Severe heat wave, prevailing between 7 am and 7 pm in Medak district, paralysed normal life on Saturday. Roads in towns like Sangareddy, Siddipet, Medak, Patancheru and Zaheerabad wore a deserted look. With hot winds continuing to blow even late in the night, children and elderly persons are falling sick in spite of their remaining indoors. The number of persons hospitalised after heat wave strikes is increasing.

With Rohini Karthi scheduled to begin on May 25, the conditions are likely to become more severe. Doctors have advised people to take precautionary measures during the next 10 days. Such hot conditions are unprecedented in the district. The maximum temperatures touched a record high in the last four days. During the last five days 12 persons, most of them NREGS labourers, died of sun-stroke.

While the day temperatures last year ranged from 42 to 43 degrees Celsius, the temperature touched 45-46 this month. Following the orders issued by Minister T Harish Rao, the district officials have changed the NREGS working hours from 6 to 10 am, so as to save the lives of the labourers.

The district administration has cautioned the people to be alert advising them to move out of their houses only if absolutely necessary. It said they should complete their work before 10 am and return home.